TOWN OF LIMERICK, MAINE SHORELAND ZONING ......2018/03/09 · DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL...

TOWN OF

LIMERICK, MAINE

SHORELAND ZONING ORDINANCE

Adopted March 9, 2018

Limerick Shoreland Zoning Ordinance 2018

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LIMERICK SHORELAND ZONING ORDINANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Purposes ................................................................................................................................................. 1

2. Authority ................................................................................................................................................ 1

3. Applicability ........................................................................................................................................... 1

4. Effective Date ......................................................................................................................................... 1

5. Availability ............................................................................................................................................. 1

6. Severability ............................................................................................................................................. 1

7. Conflicts with Other Ordinances ............................................................................................................ 2

8. Amendments ........................................................................................................................................... 2

9. Districts and Zoning Map ....................................................................................................................... 2

A. Official Shoreland Zoning Map ....................................................................................................... 2

B. Scale of Map .................................................................................................................................... 2

C. Certification of Official Shoreland Zoning Map ............................................................................. 2

D. Changes to the Official Shoreland Zoning Map .............................................................................. 2

10. Interpretation of District Boundaries ..................................................................................................... 2

A. Resource Protection District ............................................................................................................ 3

B. Limited Residential District ............................................................................................................. 3

C. Limited Commercial District ........................................................................................................... 3

D. General Development District ......................................................................................................... 4

11. Land Use Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 4

12. Non-conformance ................................................................................................................................... 4

A. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 4

B. General ............................................................................................................................................. 4

C. Non-conforming Structures – Sokokis Lake and Pickerel Pond ..................................................... 5

D. Non-conforming Structures – All Other Water Bodies, Tributaries & Streams ............................. 6

E. Non-conforming Uses .................................................................................................................... 10

F. Non-conforming Lots..................................................................................................................... 10

13. Establishment of Districts .................................................................................................................... 11

A. Resource Protection District .......................................................................................................... 11

B. Limited Residential District ........................................................................................................... 11

C. Limited Commercial District ......................................................................................................... 11

D. General Development I District ..................................................................................................... 11

E. General Development II District .................................................................................................... 12

F. Stream Protection District ............................................................................................................ 12

14. Table of Land Uses .............................................................................................................................. 13

15. Land Use Standards ............................................................................................................................ 15

A. Minimum Lot Standards ................................................................................................................ 15

B. Principal and Accessory Structures ............................................................................................... 15

C. Campgrounds ................................................................................................................................. 18

D. Individual Private Campsites ........................................................................................................ 18

E. Commercial and Industrial Uses .................................................................................................... 19

F. Parking Areas ................................................................................................................................. 19

G. Roads and Driveways ................................................................................................................... 20

H. Signs............................................................................................................................................... 22

I. Storm Water Runoff .................................................................................................................... 22

J. Septic Waste Disposal .................................................................................................................. 23


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K. Essential Services ......................................................................................................................... 23

L. Mineral Exploration and Extraction ............................................................................................. 23

M. Agriculture ..................................................................................................................................... 24

N. Clearing or Removal of Vegetation for Activities Other than Timber Harvesting ....................... 25

O. Hazard Trees, Storm-Damaged Trees and Dead Tree Removal ..................................................... 27

P. Exemptions to Clearing and Vegetation Removal Requirements ................................................... 29

Q. Revegetation Requirements ............................................................................................................ 30

R. Erosion and Sedimentation Control ............................................................................................... 31

S. Soils ................................................................................................................................................ 32

T. Water Quality ................................................................................................................................. 33

U. Archaeological Site ....................................................................................................................... 33

16. Administration ...................................................................................................................................... 33

A. Administering Bodies and Agents ................................................................................................ 33

B. Permits Required ........................................................................................................................... 33

C. Permit Application ......................................................................................................................... 33

D. Procedure for Administering Permits .......................................................................................... 34

E. Special Exceptions ......................................................................................................................... 35

F. Expiration of Permit ...................................................................................................................... 36

G. Installation of Public Utility Service ............................................................................................ 36

H. Appeals .......................................................................................................................................... 36

I. Enforcement ................................................................................................................................... 39

17. Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 40

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION


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LIMERICK SHORELAND ZONING ORDINANCE

Shoreland Zoning Ordinance for the Municipality of

LIMERICK, MAINE

1. Purposes. The purposes of this Ordinance are to further the maintenance of safe and healthful

conditions; to prevent and control water pollution; to protect fish spawning grounds, aquatic life, bird

and other wildlife habitat; to protect buildings and lands from flooding and accelerated erosion; to

protect archaeological and historic resources; to protect freshwater wetlands; to control building

sites, placement of structures and land uses; to conserve shore cover, and visual as well as actual

points of access to inland waters; to conserve natural beauty and open space; and to anticipate and

respond to the impacts of development in shoreland areas.

2. Authority. This Ordinance has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Title 38 sections

435-449 of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (M.R.S.A.).

3. Applicability. This Ordinance applies to all land areas within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the

normal high-water line of any great pond or river, or

upland edge of a freshwater wetland,

and all land areas within 75 feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of a stream.

4. Effective Date of Ordinance and Ordinance Amendments. This Ordinance, which was adopted

by the municipal legislative body on March 9, 2018, shall not be effective unless approved by the

Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. A certified copy of the Ordinance, or

Ordinance Amendment, attested and signed by the Municipal Clerk, shall be forwarded to the

Commissioner for approval. If the Commissioner fails to act on this Ordinance or Ordinance

Amendment, within forty-five (45) days of his/her receipt of the Ordinance, or Ordinance

Amendment, it shall be automatically approved.

Any application for a permit submitted to the municipality within the forty-five (45) day period shall

be governed by the terms of this Ordinance, or Ordinance Amendment, if the Ordinance, or

Ordinance Amendment, is approved by the Commissioner.

5. Availability. A certified copy of this Ordinance shall be filed with the Municipal Clerk and shall be

accessible to any member of the public. Copies shall be made available to the public at reasonable

cost at the expense of the person making the request. Notice of availability of this Ordinance shall be

posted.

6. Severability. Should any section or provision of this Ordinance be declared by the courts to be

invalid, such decision shall not invalidate any other section or provision of the Ordinance.



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7. Conflicts with Other Ordinances. Whenever a provision of this Ordinance conflicts with or is

inconsistent with another provision of this Ordinance or of any other ordinance, regulation or statute

administered by the municipality, the more restrictive provision shall control.

8. Amendments. This Ordinance may be amended by majority vote of the legislative body. Copies of

amendments, attested and signed by the Municipal Clerk, shall be submitted to the Commissioner of

the Department of Environmental Protection following adoption by the municipal legislative body

and shall not be effective unless approved by the Commissioner. If the Commissioner fails to act on

any amendment within forty-five (45) days of his/her receipt of the amendment, the amendment is

automatically approved. Any application for a permit submitted to the municipality within the forty-

five (45) day period shall be governed by the terms of the amendment, if such amendment is

approved by the Commissioner.

9. Districts and Zoning Map

A. Official Shoreland Zoning Map. The areas to which this Ordinance is applicable are hereby

divided into the following districts as shown on the Official Shoreland Zoning Map(s) which is

(are) made a part of this Ordinance:

(1) Resource Protection

(2) Limited Residential

(3) Limited Commercial

(4) General Development I

(5) General Development II

(6) Stream Protection

B. Scale of Map. The Official Shoreland Zoning Map shall be drawn at a scale of not less than: 1

inch = 2000 feet. District boundaries shall be clearly delineated and a legend indicating the

symbols for each district shall be placed on the map.

C. Certification of Official Shoreland Zoning Map. The Official Shoreland Zoning Map shall be

certified by the attested signature of the Municipal Clerk and shall be located in the municipal

office. In the event the municipality does not have a municipal office, the Municipal Clerk shall

be the custodian of the map.

D. Changes to the Official Shoreland Zoning Map. If amendments, in accordance with Section 8,

are made in the district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the Official Shoreland Zoning

Map, such changes shall be made on the Official Shoreland Zoning Map within thirty (30) days

after the amendment has been approved by the Commissioner of the Department of

Environmental Protection.

10. Interpretation of District Boundaries. Unless otherwise set forth on the Official Shoreland Zoning

Map, district boundary lines are property lines, the centerlines of streets, roads and rights of way, and

the boundaries of the shoreland area as defined herein. Where uncertainty exists as to the exact

location of district boundary lines, the Board of Appeals shall be the final authority as to location.

Description of All Districts taken from and according to the Town of Limerick Tax Maps prepared

by John E. O’Donnell Associates of New Gloucester, Maine and dated April 1, 2008.



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A. Resource Protection District.

(1) Areas within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the upland edge of freshwater

wetlands, and wetlands associated with great ponds and rivers, which are rated

"moderate" or "high" value by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and

Wildlife (MDIF&W).

(2) Those areas depicted on the Town of Limerick Shoreland Zoning Map, adopted by

the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and Town of Limerick as of

October 4, 1993.

B. Limited Residential District

(1) The area within two-hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of the normal

high-water line of a great pond, river, or within two hundred and fifty (250) feet,

horizontal distance, of the upland edge of a freshwater wetland, exclusive of the

Stream Protection District, except those areas which are currently developed and

areas which meet the criteria for the Limited Commercial, General Development.



October 4, 1993.

(a) This district includes, but may not be limited to, the area within two-hundred and

fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of Sokokis

Lake, beginning at a point on the easterly side of Sokokis Lake at the southern

property line of Map 23:Lot 25 extending northerly to Map 16, extending along

the shore of Sokokis Lake to and along Map 17, to and along Map 10, ending at

the northeasterly property line of Map 10:Lot 37. Also, an area beginning at a

point on the westerly side of Sokokis Lake at the southeast corner of Map 23:Lot

9, extending northwesterly along the shore of Sokokis lake to and along Map 17,

to and along Map 10, ending at the northerly property line of Map 10:Lot 60.

(b) This district includes, but may not be limited to, the area within two-hundred

and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of Pickerel

Pond, with the exception of portion of Map 24:Lot 61E and Map 28:Lot 22.

(See Limited Commercial and General Development regarding exceptions).

C. Limited Commercial District.



horizontal distance, of the upland edge of a freshwater wetland and meeting the

criteria in Paragraph 2 below.



October 4, 1993.

(a) This district includes, but may not be limited to, the area beginning at a point on

the south westerly side of Sokokis Lake at the northeasterly corner of Map 23:lot

11 extending southerly along the shore of Lots 19, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19c,



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bounded further by Carroll Lane and Washington street. Also, that area of Map

23: lLots19b, 20, 21, 22a, 22, and 23, further bounded by the northerly side of

Washington Street. Also, that area of Map 23:lLot 24 ending at the northwesterly

property line at Sokokis Lake and further bounded by the westerly side of Emery

Corner Road. Also, that area within two-hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal

distance, of the normal high-water line at Map 23:lLots 48, 58, 59, and 60, also

Map 24:lLots 104, 104a, and 105.

(b) This district includes, but may not be limited to, the area on Map 24:Lot 61e,

which is within two-hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of the

normal high-water line of Pickerel Pond.

D. General Development District.



horizontal distance, of the upland edge of a freshwater wetland and meeting the

criteria in Paragraph 2 below.



October 4, 1993.

(a) This district includes, but may not be limited to, the area on Map 23:Lot 60,

which is within two hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of the

normal high-water line of Sokokis Lake.

(b) This district includes, but may not be limited to, the area on Map 28:Lot 22,

which is within two hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of the

normal high-water line of Pickerel Pond.

11. Land Use Requirements. Except as hereinafter specified, no building, structure or land shall

hereafter be used or occupied, and no building or structure or part thereof shall hereafter be erected,

constructed, expanded, moved, or altered and no new lot shall be created except in conformity with

all of the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located, unless a variance is

granted.

12. Non-conformance.

A. Purpose. It is the intent of this Ordinance to promote land use conformities, except that non-

conforming conditions that existed before the effective date of this Ordinance or amendments

thereto shall be allowed to continue, subject to the requirements set forth in Section 12. Except

as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, a non-conforming condition shall not be permitted to

become more non-conforming.

B. General

(1) Transfer of Ownership. Non-conforming structures, lots, and uses may be transferred, and

the new owner may continue the non-conforming use or continue to use the non-conforming

structure or lot, subject to the provisions of this Ordinance.



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(2) Repair and Maintenance. This Ordinance allows, without a permit, the normal upkeep and

maintenance of non-conforming uses and structures including repairs or renovations that do

not involve expansion of the non-conforming use or structure, and such other changes in a

non-conforming use or structure as federal, state, or local building and safety codes may

require.

C. Non-conforming Structures: Sokokis Lake and Pickerel Pond

(1) Expansions. All new principal and accessory structures, excluding functionally water-

dependent uses, must meet the water body, tributary stream, or wetland setback requirements

contained in Section 15(B)(1). A non-conforming structure may be added to or expanded

after obtaining a permit from the same permitting authority as that for a new structure, if

such addition or expansion does not increase the non-conformity of the structure, and is in

accordance with subparagraphs (a) through (d) below.

(a) Expansion of any portion of a structure within 25 feet, horizontal distance, of the

normal high-water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland

is prohibited, even if the expansion will not increase nonconformity with the water

body, tributary stream or wetland setback requirement. Expansion of an accessory

structure that is located closer to the normal high-water line of a water body,

tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland than the principal structure is

prohibited, even if the expansion will not increase nonconformity with the water

body, tributary stream or wetland setback requirement.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), above, if a legally existing nonconforming principal

structure is entirely located less than 25 feet from the normal high-water line of a water

body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland, that structure may be expanded as

follows, as long as all other applicable municipal land use standards are met and the

expansion is not prohibited by Section 12(C)(1).

i. The maximum total footprint for the principal structure may not be expanded to a

size greater than 800 square feet or 30% larger than the footprint that existed on

January 1, 1989, whichever is greater. The maximum height of the principal

structure may not be made greater than 15 feet or the height of the existing

structure, whichever is greater.

(c) All other legally existing nonconforming principal and accessory structures that do not

meet the water body, tributary stream, or wetland setback requirements may be

expanded or altered as follows, as long as other applicable municipal land use

standards are met and the expansion is not prohibited by Section 12(C)(1) or Section

12(C)(1)(a), above.

i. For structures located less than 65 feet, horizontal distance, from the normal high

water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland, the

maximum combined total footprint for all structures may not be expanded to a size

greater than 1,000 square feet or 30% larger than the footprint that existed on

January 1, 1989, whichever is greater. The maximum height of any structure that is

within 65 feet, horizontal distance, of a water body, tributary stream or upland



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edge of a wetland may not be made greater than 20 feet or the height of the

existing structure, whichever is greater.

(ii) In addition to the limitations in subparagraphs (i), for structures that are legally

nonconforming due to their location within the Resource Protection District when

located at less than 250 feet from the normal high-water line of a water body or the

upland edge of a wetland, the maximum combined total footprint for all structures

may not be expanded to a size greater than 1,500 square feet or 30% larger than the

footprint that existed at the time the Resource Protection District was established on

the lot, whichever is greater. The maximum height of any structure may not be made

greater than 25 feet or the height of the existing structure, whichever is greater,

except that any portion of those structures located less than 65 feet from the normal

high-water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland must

meet the footprint and height limits in Section 12(C)(1)(b)(i) and Section

12(C)(1)(c)(i), above.

(d) An approved plan for expansion of a nonconforming structure must be recorded by the

applicant with the registry of deeds, within 90 days of approval. The recorded plan

must show the existing and proposed footprint of the non-conforming structure, the

existing and proposed structure height, the footprint of any other structures on the

parcel, the shoreland zone boundary and evidence of approval by the municipal review

authority.

(2) Foundations.Whenever a new, enlarged, or replacement foundation is constructed under a

non-conforming structure, the structure and new foundation must be placed such that the

setback requirement is met to the greatest practical extent as determined by the Planning

Board or its designee, basing its decision on the criteria specified in Section 12(D)(3)

Relocation, below.

D. Non-conforming Structures: All Other Water Bodies, Tributories & Streams

(1) Expansions. All new principal and accessory structures, excluding functionally water-

dependent uses, must meet the water body, tributary stream, or wetland setback

requirements contained in Section 15(B)(1). A non-conforming structure may be added to

or expanded after obtaining a permit from the same permitting authority as that for a new

structure, if such addition or expansion does not increase the non-conformity of the

structure, and is in accordance with subparagraphs (a) through (d) below.

(a) Expansion of any portion of a structure within 25 feet, horizontal distance, of the

normal high-water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland

is prohibited, even if the expansion will not increase nonconformity with the water

body, tributary stream or wetland setback requirement. Expansion of an accessory

structure that is located closer to the normal high-water line of a water body, tributary

stream, or upland edge of a wetland than the principal structure is prohibited, even if

the expansion will not increase nonconformity with the water body, tributary stream or

wetland setback requirement.



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(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), above, if a legally existing nonconforming principal

structure is entirely located less than 25 feet from the normal high-water line of a water

body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland, that structure may be expanded as

follows, as long as all other applicable municipal land use standards are met and the

expansion is not prohibited by Section 12(D)(1).

i. The maximum total footprint for the principal structure may not be expanded to a

size greater than 800 square feet or 30% larger than the footprint that existed

on January 1, 1989, whichever is greater. The maximum height of the

principal structure may not be made greater than 15 feet or the height of the

existing structure, whichever is greater.

(c) All other legally existing nonconforming principal and accessory structures that do not

meet the water body, tributary stream, or wetland setback requirements may be

expanded or altered as follows, as long as other applicable municipal land use

standards are met and the expansion is not prohibited by Section 12(D)(1) or Section

12(D)(1)(a), above.

i. For structures located less than 75 feet, horizontal distance, from the normal

high-water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland,

the maximum combined total footprint for all structures may not be expanded to

a size greater than 1,000 square feet or 30% larger than the footprint that existed

on January 1, 1989, whichever is greater. The maximum height of any structure

may not be made greater than 20 feet or the height of the existing structure,

whichever is greater.

ii. For structures located less than 100 feet, horizontal distance, from the normal

high-water line of a great pond classified as GPA or a river flowing to a great

pond classified as GPA, the maximum combined total footprint for all structures

may not be expanded to size greater than 1,500 square feet or 30% larger than

the footprint that existed on January 1, 1989, whichever is greater. The

maximum height of any structure may not be made greater than 25 feet or the

height of the existing structure, whichever is greater. Any portion of those

structures located less than 75 feet, horizontal distance from the normal high-

water line of a water body, tributary stream, or the upland edge of a wetland

must meet the footprint and height limits of Section 12(D)(1)(b)(i) and Section

12 (D)(1)(c)(i) above.

(iii) In addition to the limitations in subparagraphs (i) and (ii), for structures that are

legally nonconforming due to their location within the Resource Protection District

when located at less than 250 feet from the normal high-water line of a water body or

the upland edge of a wetland, the maximum combined total footprint for all

structures may not be expanded to a size greater than 1,500 square feet or 30% larger

than the footprint that existed at the time the Resource Protection District was

established on the lot, whichever is greater. The maximum height of any structure

may not be made greater than 25 feet or the height of the existing structure,

whichever is greater, except that any portion of those structures located less than 75

feet from the normal high-water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland

edge of a wetland must meet the footprint and height limits in Section 12(D)(1)(b)(i)

and Section 12(D)(1)(c)(i), above.



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(d) An approved plan for expansion of a nonconforming structure must be recorded by the

applicant with the registry of deeds, within 90 days of approval. The recorded plan

must show the existing and proposed footprint of the non-conforming structure, the

existing and proposed structure height, the footprint of any other structures on the

parcel, the shoreland zone boundary and evidence of approval by the municipal review

authority.

2. Foundations. Whenever a new, enlarged, or replacement foundation is constructed under

a non-conforming structure, the structure and new foundation must be placed such that

the setback requirement is met to the greatest practical extent as determined by the

Planning Board or its designee, basing its decision on the criteria specified in Section

12(D)(3) Relocation, below

(3) Relocation. A non-conforming structure may be relocated within the boundaries of the

parcel on which the structure is located provided that the site of relocation conforms to all

setback requirements to the greatest practical extent as determined by the Planning Board or

its designee, and provided that the applicant demonstrates that the present subsurface sewage

disposal system meets the requirements of State law and the State of Maine Subsurface

Wastewater Disposal Rules (Rules), or that a new system can be installed in compliance with

the law and said Rules. In no case shall a structure be relocated in a manner that causes the

structure to be more non-conforming.

In determining whether the building relocation meets the setback to the greatest practical

extent, the Planning Board or its designee shall consider the size of the lot, the slope of the

land, the potential for soil erosion, the location of other structures on the property and on

adjacent properties, the location of the septic system and other on-site soils suitable for septic

systems, and the type and amount of vegetation to be removed to accomplish the relocation.

When it is necessary to remove vegetation within the water or wetland setback area in order

to relocate a structure, the Planning Board shall require replanting of native vegetation to

compensate for the destroyed vegetation in accordance with Section 15(Q). In addition, the

area from which the relocated structure was removed must be replanted with vegetation.

Replanting shall be required as follows:

(a) Trees removed in order to relocate a structure must be replanted with at least one native

tree, three (3) feet in height, for every tree removed. If more than five trees are planted,

no one species of tree shall make up more than 50% of the number of trees planted.

Replaced trees must be planted no further from the water or wetland than the trees that

were removed.

Other woody and herbaceous vegetation, and ground cover, that are removed or

destroyed in order to relocate a structure must be re-established. An area at least the

same size as the area where vegetation and/or ground cover was disturbed, damaged, or

removed must be reestablished within the setback area. The vegetation and/or ground

cover must consist of similar native vegetation and/or ground cover that was disturbed,

destroyed or removed.



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(b) Where feasible, when a structure is relocated on a parcel the original location of the

structure shall be replanted with vegetation which may consist of grasses, shrubs, trees,

or a combination thereof.

(4) Reconstruction or Replacement. Any non-conforming structure which is located less than

the required setback from a water body, tributary stream, or wetland and which is removed,

or damaged or destroyed, regardless of the cause, by more than 50% of the market value of

the structure before such damage, destruction or removal, may be reconstructed or replaced

provided that a permit is obtained within eighteen (18) months of the date of said damage,

destruction, or removal, and provided that such reconstruction or replacement is in

compliance with the water body, tributary stream or wetland setback requirement to the

greatest practical extent as determined by the Planning Board or its designee in accordance

with the purposes of this Ordinance. In no case shall a structure be reconstructed or replaced

so as to increase its non-conformity. If the reconstructed or replacement structure is less than

the required setback it shall not be any larger than the original structure, except as allowed

pursuant to Section 12(C)(1) or 12(D)(1) above, as determined by the non-conforming

footprint of the reconstructed or replaced structure at its new location. If the total footprint of

the original structure can be relocated or reconstructed beyond the required setback area, no

portion of the relocated or reconstructed structure shall be replaced or constructed at less

than the setback requirement for a new structure. When it is necessary to remove vegetation

in order to replace or reconstruct a structure, vegetation shall be replanted in accordance with

Section 12(D)(3) above.

Any non-conforming structure which is located less than the required setback from a water

body, tributary stream, or wetland and which is removed by 50% or less of the market value,

or damaged or destroyed by 50% or less of the market value of the structure, excluding

normal maintenance and repair, may be reconstructed in place if a permit is obtained from

the Code Enforcement Officer within one year of such damage, destruction, or removal.

In determining whether the building reconstruction or replacement meets the setback to the

greatest practical extent the Planning Board or its designee shall consider, in addition to the

criteria in Section 12(D)(3) above, the physical condition and type of foundation present, if

any.

(5) Change of Use of a Non-conforming Structure. The use of a non-conforming structure may

not be changed to another use unless the Planning Board, after receiving a written

application, determines that the new use will have no greater adverse impact on the water

body, tributary stream, or wetland, or on the subject or adjacent properties and resources than

the existing use.

In determining that no greater adverse impact will occur, the Planning Board shall require

written documentation from the applicant, regarding the probable effects on public health

and safety, erosion and sedimentation, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, vegetative

cover, visual and actual points of public access to waters, natural beauty, floodplain

management, archaeological and historic resources, and functionally water-dependent uses.



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E. Non-conforming Uses

(1) Expansions. Expansions of non-conforming uses are prohibited, except that non-conforming

residential uses may, after obtaining a permit from the Limerick Code Enforcement Officer,

be expanded within existing residential structures or within expansions of such structures as

allowed in Section 12(C)(1) or Section 12(D)(1) above.

(2) Resumption Prohibited. A lot, building or structure in or on which a non-conforming use is

discontinued for a period exceeding one year, or which is superseded by a conforming use,

may not again be devoted to a non-conforming use except that the Planning Board may, for

good cause shown by the applicant, grant up to a one year extension to that time period. This

provision shall not apply to the resumption of a use of a residential structure provided that

the structure has been used or maintained for residential purposes during the preceding five

(5) year period.

(3) Change of Use. An existing non-conforming use may be changed to another non-

conforming use provided that the proposed use has no greater adverse impact on the subject

and adjacent properties and resources than the former use, as determined by the Planning

Board. The determination of no greater adverse impact shall be made according to criteria

listed in Section 12(D)(5) above.

F. Non-conforming Lots

(1) Non-conforming Lots: A non-conforming lot of record as of the effective date of this

Ordinance or amendment thereto may be built upon, without the need for a variance,

provided that such lot is in separate ownership and not contiguous with any other lot in the

same ownership, and that all provisions of this Ordinance except lot area, lot width and shore

frontage can be met. Variances relating to setback or other requirements not involving lot

area, lot width or shore frontage shall be obtained by action of the Board of Appeals.

(2) Contiguous Built Lots: If two or more contiguous lots or parcels are in a single or joint

ownership of record at the time of adoption of this Ordinance, if all or part of the lots do not

meet the dimensional requirements of this Ordinance, and if a principal use or structure

exists on each lot, the non-conforming lots may be conveyed separately or together, provided

that the State Minimum Lot Size Law (12 M.R.S.A. sections 4807-A through 4807-D) and

the State of Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules are complied with.

If two or more principal uses or structures existed on a single lot of record on the effective

date of this ordinance, each may be sold on a separate lot provided that the above referenced

law and rules are complied with. When such lots are divided each lot thus created must be as

conforming as possible to the dimensional requirements of this Ordinance.

(3) Contiguous Lots - Vacant or Partially Built: If two or more contiguous lots or parcels are

in single or joint ownership of record at the time of or since adoption or amendment of this

Ordinance, if any of these lots do not individually meet the dimensional requirements of this

Ordinance or subsequent amendments, and if one or more of the lots are vacant or contain no

principal structure the lots shall be combined to the extent necessary to meet the dimensional

requirements.



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This provision shall not apply to 2 or more contiguous lots, at least one of which is non-

conforming, owned by the same person or persons on August 25, 1993, and recorded in the

registry of deeds if the lot is served by a public sewer or can accommodate a subsurface

sewage disposal system in conformance with the State of Maine Subsurface Wastewater

Disposal Rules; and

(a) Each lot contains at least 100 feet of shore frontage and at least 20,000 square feet of lot

area; or

(b) Any lots that do not meet the frontage and lot size requirements of Section 12(E)(3)(a)

are reconfigured or combined so that each new lot conains at least 100 feet of shore

frontage and 20,000 square feet of lot area.

13. Establishment of Districts

A. Resource Protection District. The Resource Protection District includes areas in which

development would adversely affect water quality, productive habitat, biological ecosystems, or

scenic and natural values. This district shall include the following areas when they occur within

the limits of the shoreland zone, exclusive of the Stream Protection District, except that areas

which are currently developed and areas which meet the criteria for the Limited Commercial or

General Development I Districts need not be included within the Resource Protection District.

(1) Floodplains along rivers and floodplains along artificially formed great ponds along rivers,

defined by the 100 year floodplain as designated on the Federal Emergency Management

Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps or Flood Hazard Boundary Maps, or the flood

of record, or in the absence of these, by soil types identified as recent floodplain soils.

(2) Areas of two or more contiguous acres with sustained slopes of 20% or greater.

(3) Areas of two (2) or more contiguous acres supporting wetland vegetation and hydric soils,

which are not part of a freshwater wetland as defined, and which are not surficially

connected to a water body during the period of normal high water.

(4) Land areas along rivers subject to severe bank erosion, undercutting, or river bed movement.

B. Limited Residential District. The Limited Residential District includes those areas suitable for

residential and recreational development. It includes areas other than those in the Resource

Protection District, or Stream Protection District, and areas which are used less intensively than

those in the Limited Commercial District or the General Development Districts.

C. Limited Commercial District. The Limited Commercial District includes areas of mixed, light

commercial and residential uses, exclusive of the Stream Protection District, which should not be

developed as intensively as the General Development Districts. This district includes areas of

two or more contiguous acres in size devoted to a mix of residential and low intensity business

and commercial uses. Industrial uses are prohibited.

D. General Development I District. The General Development I District includes the following

types of existing, intensively developed areas:



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(1) Areas of two or more contiguous acres devoted to commercial, industrial or intensive

recreational activities, or a mix of such activities, including but not limited to the following:

(a) Areas devoted to manufacturing, fabricating or other industrial activities;

(b) Areas devoted to wholesaling, warehousing, retail trade and service activities, or other

commercial activities; and

(c) Areas devoted to intensive recreational development and activities, such as, but not

limited to amusement parks, race tracks and fairgrounds.

(2) Areas otherwise discernible as having patterns of intensive commercial, industrial or

recreational uses.

E. General Development II District. The General Development II District includes the same types

of areas as those listed for the General Development I District. The General Development II

District, however, shall be applied to newly established General Development Districts where the

pattern of development at the time of adoption is undeveloped or not as intensively developed as

that of the General Development I District.

Portions of the General Development District I or II may also include residential development.

However, no area shall be designated as a General Development I or II District based solely on

residential use.

In areas adjacent to great ponds classified GPA and adjacent to rivers flowing to great ponds

classified GPA, the designation of an area as a General Development District shall be based upon

uses existing at the time of adoption of this Ordinance. There shall be no newly established

General Development Districts or expansions in area of existing General Development Districts

adjacent to great ponds classified GPA, and adjacent to rivers that flow to great ponds classified

GPA.

F. Stream Protection District. The Stream Protection District includes all land areas within

seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of a stream, exclusive of

those areas within two-hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water

line of a great pond, or river, or within two hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of

the upland edge of a freshwater wetland. Where a stream and its associated shoreland area are

located within two-hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance, of the above water bodies or

wetlands, that land area shall be regulated under the terms of the shoreland district associated

with that water body or wetland.



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14. Table of Land Uses. All land use activities, as indicated in Table 1, Land Uses in the Shoreland

Zone, shall conform with all of the applicable land use standards in Section 15. The district

designation for a particular site shall be determined from the Official Shoreland Zoning Map.

Key to Table 1:

Yes - Allowed (no permit required but the use must comply with all applicable land use

standards.)

No - Prohibited

PB - Allowed with permit issued by the Planning Board.

CEO - Allowed with permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer

LPI - Allowed with permit issued by the Local Plumbing Inspector

Abbreviations:

RP - Resource Protection GD General Development I and General Development II

LR - Limited Residential LC - Limited Commercial

SP - Stream Protection



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TABLE 1. LAND USES IN THE SHORELAND ZONE LAND USES DISTRICT

SP RP LR LC GD 1. Non-intensive recreational uses not requiring structures such as

hunting, fishing and hiking

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

2. Motorized vehicular traffic on existing roads and trails yes yes yes yes yes

3. Clearing or removal of vegetation for activities other than timber harvesting CEO CEO1 yes yes yes

4. Fire prevention activities yes yes yes yes yes

5. Wildlife management practices yes yes yes yes yes

6. Soil and water conservation practices yes yes yes yes yes

7. Mineral exploration no yes2 yes2

yes2 yes2

8. Mineral extraction including sand and gravel extraction no PB3 PB PB PB

9. Surveying and resource analysis yes yes yes yes yes

10. Emergency operations yes yes yes yes yes

11. Agriculture yes PB yes yes yes

12. Aquaculture PB PB PB yes yes

13. Principal structures and uses

A. One and two family residential, including driveways

PB4

PB9

CEO

CEO

CEO

B. Multi-unit residential no no PB PB PB

C. Commercial no no10 no10 PB PB

D. Industrial no no no no PB

E. Governmental and institutional no no PB PB PB

F.Small non-residential facilities for educational, scientific, or nature

interpretation purposes

PB4 PB CEO CEO CEO

14. Structures accessory to allowed uses PB4 PB CEO CEO yes

15. Conversions of seasonal residences to year-round residences LPI LPI LPI LPI LPI

16. Home occupations PB PB PB CEO yes

17. Private sewage disposal systems for allowed uses LPI LPI LPI LPI LPI

18. Essential services PB6 PB6 PB PB PB

A. Roadside distribution lines (34.5kV and lower) CEO6

CEO6

yes12

yes12

yes12

B. Non-roadside or cross-country distribution lines involving ten poles or less in

the shoreland zone PB

6 PB

6 CEO CEO CEO

C. Non-roadside or cross-country distribution lines involving eleven or more poles

in the shoreland zone PB

6 PB6 PB PB PB

D. Other essential services PB6

PB6 PB PB PB

19. Service drops, as defined, to allowed uses yes yes yes yes yes

20. Public and private recreational areas involving minimal structural development PB PB PB CEO CEO

21. Individual, private campsites CEO CEO CEO CEO CEO

22. Campgrounds no no7 PB PB PB

23. Road construction PB no8 PB PB PB

24. Parking facilities no no7 PB PB PB

25. Marinas PB no PB PB PB

26. Filling and earth moving of <10 cubic yards CEO CEO yes yes yes

27. Filling and earth moving of >10 cubic yards PB PB CEO CEO CEO

28. Signs yes yes yes yes yes

29. Uses similar to allowed uses CEO CEO CEO CEO CEO

30. Uses similar to uses requiring a CEO permit CEO CEO CEO CEO CEO

31. Uses similar to uses requiring a PB permit PB PB PB PB PB

1In RP not allowed within 75 feet horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of great ponds, except to remove safety hazards.

2Requires permit from the Code Enforcement Officer if more than 100 square feet of surface area, in total, is disturbed.

3In RP not allowed in areas so designated because of wildlife value.

4Provided that a variance from the setback requirement is obtained from the Board of Appeals.

6See further restrictions in Section 15( L)(2).

7Except when area is zoned for resource protection due to floodplain criteria in which case a permit is required from the PB.

8Except as provided in Section 15(H)(4).

9Single family residential structures may be allowed by special exception only according to the provisions of Section 16(E), Special

Exceptions. Two-family residential structures are prohibited. 10

Except for commercial uses otherwise listed in this Table, such as marinas and campgrounds, that are allowed in the respective district. 11

Excluding bridges and other crossings not involving earthwork, in which case no permit is required. 12

Permit not required, but must file a written “notice of intent to construct” with CEO.

NOTE: A person performing any of the following activities shall require a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection, pursuant to

38 M.R.S.A. section 480-C, if the activity occurs in, on, over or adjacent to any freshwater wetland, great pond, river, stream or brook and

operates in such a manner that material or soil may be washed into them:

A. Dredging, bulldozing, removing or displacing soil, sand, vegetation or other materials;

B. Draining or otherwise dewatering;

C. Filling, including adding sand or other material to a sand dune; or

D. Any construction or alteration of any permanent structure.



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15. Land Use Standards. All land use activities within the shoreland zone shall conform with the

following provisions, if applicable.

A. Minimum Lot Standards

Minimum Lot Minimum

Area (sq. ft.) Shore

Frontage (ft.)

(1)

(a) Residential per dwelling unit 40,000 200

(b) Governmental, Institutional, Commercial

or Industrial per principal structure 60,000 300

(c) Public and Private Recreational Facilities 40,000 200

(2) Land below the normal high-water line of a water body or upland edge of a wetland and land

beneath roads serving more than two (2) lots shall not be included toward calculating

minimum lot area.

(3) Lots located on opposite sides of a public or private road shall be considered each a separate

tract or parcel of land unless such road was established by the owner of land on both sides

thereof after September 22, 1971.

(4) The minimum width of any portion of any lot within one hundred (100) feet, horizontal

distance, of the normal high-water line of a water body or upland edge of a wetland shall be

equal to or greater than the shore frontage requirement for a lot with the proposed use.

(5) If more than one residential dwelling unit, principal governmental, institutional, commercial or

industrial structure or use, or combination thereof, is constructed or established on a single

parcel, all dimensional requirements shall be met for each additional dwelling unit, principal

structure, or use.

B. Principal and Accessory Structures

(1) All new principal and accessory structures shall be set back at least sixty-five (65) feet,

horizontal distance, on Sokokis Lake and Pickerel Pond and at least one hundred (100) feet

horizontal distance, from the normal high-water line of other great ponds classified GPA and

rivers that flow to great ponds classified GPA, and seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance,

from the normal high-water line of other water bodies, tributary streams, or the upland edge of

a wetland, except that in the General Development I District the setback from the normal high-

water line shall be at least twenty five (25) feet, horizontal distance. In the Resource

Protection District the setback requirement shall be 250 feet, horizontal distance, except for

structures, roads, parking spaces or other regulated objects specifically allowed in that district

in which case the setback requirements specified above shall apply.

In addition:



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(a) The water body, tributary stream, or wetland setback provision shall neither apply to

structures which require direct access to the water body or wetland as an operational

necessity, such as piers, docks and retaining walls, nor to other functionally water-

dependent uses.

(b) All principal structures along Significant River Segments as listed in 38 M.R.S.A. section

437 (see Appendix B), shall be set back a minimum of one hundred and twenty-five (125)

feet, horizontal distance, from the normal high-water line and shall be screened from the

river by existing vegetation. This provision does not apply to structures related to

hydropower facilities.

(c) On a non-conforming lot of record on which only a residential structure exists, and it is not

possible to place an accessory structure meeting the required water body, tributary stream

or wetland setbacks, the code enforcement officer may issue a permit to place a single

accessory structure, with no utilities, for the storage of yard tools and similar equipment.

Such accessory structure shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet in area nor eight (8) feet

in height, and shall be located as far from the shoreline or tributary stream as practical and

shall meet all other applicable standards, including lot coverage and vegetation clearing

limitations. In no case shall the structure be located closer to the shoreline or tributary

stream than the principal structure.

NOTE: A tributary stream may be perennial or intermittent. Where a tributary stream is present within

the shoreland zone, setback standards from that tributary stream are applicable.

(2) Principal or accessory structures and expansions of existing structures which are permitted in

the Resource Protection, Limited Residential, Limited Commercial, and Stream Protection

Districts, shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height. This provision shall not apply to

structures such as transmission towers, windmills, antennas, and similar structures having no

floor area.

(3) The lowest floor elevation or openings of all buildings and structures, including basements,

shall be elevated at least one foot above the elevation of the 100 year flood, the flood of record,

or in the absence of these, the flood as defined by soil types identified as recent flood-plain

soils. In those municipalities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and

have adopted the April 2005 version, or later version, of the Floodplain Management

Ordinance, accessory structures may be placed in accordance with the standards of that

ordinance and need not meet the elevation requirements of this paragraph.

(4) With the exception of General Development Districts located adjacent to coastal wetlands

and rivers that do not flow to great ponds, non-vegetated surfaces shall not exceed a total

of twenty (20) percent of the portion of the lot located within the shoreland zone. This

limitation does not apply to public boat launching facilities regardless of the district in

which the facility is located

In a General Development District located adjacent to rivers that do not flow to great

ponds, non-vegetated surfaces shall not exceed a total of seventy (70) percent of the

portion of the lot located within the shoreland zone



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For the purposes of calculating lot coverage, non-vegetated surfaces include, but are not

limited to the following: structures, driveways, parking areas, and other areas from which

vegetation has been removed. Naturally occurring ledge and rock outcroppings are not

counted as nonvegetated surfaces when calculating lot coverage for lots of record on

March 24, 1990 and in continuous existence since that date.

(5) Retaining walls that are not necessary for erosion control shall meet the structure setback

requirement, except for low retaining walls and associated fill provided all of the following

conditions are met:

(a) The site has been previously altered and an effective vegetated buffer does not exist;

(b) The wall(s) is(are) at least 25 feet, horizontal distance, from the normal high-water line

of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland;

(c) The site where the retaining wall will be constructed is legally existing lawn or is a site

eroding from lack of naturally occurring vegetation, and which cannot be stabilized with

vegetative plantings;

(d) The total height of the wall(s), in the aggregate, are no more than 24 inches;

(e) Retaining walls are located outside of the 100-year floodplain on rivers, streams, and

tributary streams, as designated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s

(FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps or Flood Hazard Boundary Maps, or the flood of

record, or in the absence of these, by soil types identified as recent flood plain soils.

(f) The area behind the wall is revegetated with grass, shrubs, trees, or a combination

thereof, and no further structural development will occur within the setback area,

including patios and decks; and

(g) A vegetated buffer area is established within 25 feet, horizontal distance, of the normal

high-water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland when a

natural buffer area does not exist. The buffer area must meet the following

characteristics:

(i) The buffer must include shrubs and other woody and herbaceous vegetation. Where

natural ground cover is lacking the area must be supplemented with leaf or bark

mulch;

(ii) Vegetation plantings must be in quantities sufficient to retard erosion and provide

for effective infiltration of stormwater runoff;

(iii) Only native species may be used to establish the buffer area;

(iv) A minimum buffer width of 15 feet, horizontal distance, is required, measured

perpendicularly to the normal high-water line or upland edge of a wetland;

(v) A footpath not to exceed the standards in Section 15(N)(2)(a), may traverse the

buffer;



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(6) Notwithstanding the requirements stated above, stairways or similar structures may be allowed

with a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer, to provide shoreline access in areas of steep

slopes or unstable soils provided: that the structure is limited to a maximum of four (4) feet in

width; that the structure does not extend below or over the normal high-water line of a water

body or upland edge of a wetland, (unless permitted by the Department of Environmental

Protection pursuant to the Natural Resources Protection Act, 38 M.R.S.A. section 480-C); and

that the applicant demonstrates that no reasonable access alternative exists on the property.

C. Campgrounds. Campgrounds shall conform to the minimum requirements imposed under State

licensing procedures and the following:

(1) Campgrounds shall contain a minimum of five thousand (5,000) square feet of land, not

including roads and driveways, for each site. Land supporting wetland vegetation, and land

below the normal high-water line of a water body shall not be included in calculating land

area per site.

(2) The areas intended for placement of a recreational vehicle, tent or shelter, and utility and

service buildings shall be set back a minimum of one hundred (100) feet, horizontal distance,

from the normal high-water line of a great pond classified GPA or a river flowing to a great

pond classified GPA, and seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance, from the normal high-

water line of other water bodies, tributary streams, or the upland edge of a wetland.

D. Individual Private Campsites. Individual private campsites not associated with campgrounds

are allowed provided the following conditions are met:

(1) One campsite per lot existing on the effective date of this Ordinance, or thirty thousand

(30,000) square feet of lot area within the shoreland zone, whichever is less, may be

permitted.

(2) When an individual private campsite is proposed on a lot that contains another principal use

and/or structure, the lot must contain the minimum lot dimensional requirements for the

principal structure and/or use, and the individual private campsite separately

(3) Campsite placement on any lot, including the area intended for a recreational vehicle or tent

platform, shall be set back one hundred (100) feet, horizontal distance, from the normal high-

water line of a great pond classified GPA or river flowing to a great pond classified GPA,

and seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance, from the normal high-water line of other

water bodies, tributary streams, or the upland edge of a wetland.

(4) Only one recreational vehicle shall be allowed on a campsite. The recreational vehicle shall

not be located on any type of permanent foundation except for a gravel pad, and no structure

except a canopy shall be attached to the recreational vehicle.

(5) The clearing of vegetation for the siting of the recreational vehicle, tent or similar shelter in a

Resource Protection District shall be limited to one thousand (1000) square feet.

(6) A written sewage disposal plan describing the proposed method and location of sewage

disposal shall be required for each campsite and shall be approved by the Local Plumbing



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Inspector. Where disposal is off-site, written authorization from the receiving facility or land

owner is required.

(7) When a recreational vehicle, tent or similar shelter is placed on-site for more than one

hundred and twenty (120) days per year, all requirements for residential structures shall be

met, including the installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system in compliance with the

State of Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules unless served by public sewage

facilities.

E. Commercial and Industrial Uses. The following new commercial and industrial uses are

prohibited within the shoreland zone adjacent to great ponds classified GPA, and rivers and

streams which flow to great ponds classified GPA:

(1) Auto washing facilities

(2) Auto or other vehicle service and/or repair operations, including body shops

(3) Chemical and bacteriological laboratories

(4) Storage of chemicals, including herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers, other than amounts

normally associated with individual households or farms

(5) Commercial painting, wood preserving, and furniture stripping

(6) Dry cleaning establishments

(7) Electronic circuit assembly

(8) Laundromats, unless connected to a sanitary sewer

(9) Metal plating, finishing, or polishing

(10) Petroleum or petroleum product storage and/or sale except storage on same property as use

occurs and except for storage and sales associated with marinas

(11) Photographic processing

(12) Printing

F. Parking Areas

(1) Parking areas shall meet the shoreline and tributary stream setback requirements for

structures for the district in which such areas are located. The setback requirement for

parking areas serving public boat launching facilities in Districts other than the General

Development I District shall be no less than fifty (50) feet, horizontal distance, from the

shoreline or tributary stream if the Planning Board finds that no other reasonable alternative

exists further from the shoreline or tributary stream.



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(2) Parking areas shall be adequately sized for the proposed use and shall be designed to prevent

stormwater runoff from flowing directly into a water body, tributary stream or wetland and

where feasible, to retain all runoff on-site.

(3) In determining the appropriate size of proposed parking facilities, the following shall apply:

(a) Typical parking space: Approximately ten (10) feet wide and twenty (20) feet long, except

that parking spaces for a vehicle and boat trailer shall be forty (40) feet long.

(b) Internal travel aisles: Approximately twenty (20) feet wide.

G. Roads and Driveways. The following standards shall apply to the construction of roads and/or

driveways and drainage systems, culverts and other related features.

(1) Roads and driveways shall be set back at least one-hundred (100) feet, horizontal distance,

from the normal high-water line of a great pond classified GPA or a river that flows to a great

pond classified GPA, and seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance from the normal high-

water line of other water bodies, tributary streams, or the upland edge of a wetland unless no

reasonable alternative exists as determined by the Planning Board. If no other reasonable

alternative exists, the road and/or driveway setback requirement shall be no less than fifty (50)

feet, horizontal distance, upon clear showing by the applicant that appropriate techniques will

be used to prevent sedimentation of the water body, tributary stream, or wetland. Such

techniques may include, but are not limited to, the installation of settling basins, and/or the

effective use of additional ditch relief culverts and turnouts placed so as to avoid sedimentation

of the water body, tributary stream, or wetland.

On slopes of greater than twenty (20) percent the road and/or driveway setback shall be

increased by ten (10) feet, horizontal distance, for each five (5) percent increase in slope above

twenty (20) percent.

Section 15 (G)(1) does not apply to approaches to water crossings or to roads or driveways that

provide access to permitted structures and facilities located nearer to the shoreline or tributary

stream due to an operational necessity, excluding temporary docks for recreational uses. Roads

and driveways providing access to permitted structures within the setback area shall comply

fully with the requirements of Section 15(G)(1) except for that portion of the road or driveway

necessary for direct access to the structure.

(2) Existing public roads may be expanded within the legal road right of way regardless of their

setback from a water body, tributary stream or wetland.

(3) New permanent roads are not allowed within the shoreland zone along Significant River

Segments except:

(a) To provide access to structures or facilities within the zone; or

(b) When the applicant demonstrates that no reasonable alternative route exists outside the

shoreland zone. When roads must be located within the shoreland zone they shall be set

back as far as practicable from the normal high-water line and screened from the river by

existing vegetation.



- 21 -

(4) New roads and driveways are prohibited in a Resource Protection District except that the

Planning Board may grant a permit to construct a road or driveway to provide access to

permitted uses within the district. A road or driveway may also be approved by the Planning

Board in a Resource Protection District, upon a finding that no reasonable alternative route or

location is available outside the district. When a road or driveway is permitted in a Resource

Protection District the road and/or driveway shall be set back as far as practicable from the

normal high-water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland.

(5) Road and driveway banks shall be no steeper than a slope of two (2) horizontal to one (1)

vertical, and shall be graded and stabilized in accordance with the provisions for erosion and

sedimentation control contained in Section 15(R).

(6) Road and driveway grades shall be no greater than ten (10) percent except for segments of

less than two hundred (200) feet.

(7) In order to prevent road and driveway surface drainage from directly entering water bodies,

tributary streams or wetlands, roads and driveways shall be designed, constructed, and

maintained to empty onto an unscarified buffer strip at least (50) feet plus two times the

average slope, in width between the outflow point of the ditch or culvert and the normal

high-water line of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland. Surface

drainage which is directed to an unscarified buffer strip shall be diffused or spread out to

promote infiltration of the runoff and to minimize channelized flow of the drainage through

the buffer strip.

(8) Ditch relief (cross drainage) culverts, drainage dips and water turnouts shall be installed in a

manner effective in directing drainage onto unscarified buffer strips before the flow gains

sufficient volume or head to erode the road, driveway, or ditch. To accomplish this, the

following shall apply:

(a) Ditch relief culverts, drainage dips and associated water turnouts shall be spaced along

the road, or driveway at intervals no greater than indicated in the following table:

Grade Spacing

(Percent) (Feet)

0-2 250

3-5 200-135

6-10 100-80

11-15 80-60

16-20 60-45

21 + 40

(b) Drainage dips may be used in place of ditch relief culverts only where the grade is ten

(10) percent or less.

(c) On sections having slopes greater than ten (10) percent, ditch relief culverts shall be

placed at approximately a thirty (30) degree angle downslope from a line perpendicular

to the centerline of the road or driveway.



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(d) Ditch relief culverts shall be sufficiently sized and properly installed in order to allow for

effective functioning, and their inlet and outlet ends shall be stabilized with appropriate

materials.

(9) Ditches, culverts, bridges, dips, water turnouts and other storm water runoff control

installations associated with roads and driveways shall be maintained on a regular basis to

assure effective functioning.

H. Signs. The following provisions shall govern the use of signs in the Resource Protection,

Stream Protection, Limited Residential and Limited Commercial Districts:

(1) Signs relating to goods and services sold on the premises shall be allowed, provided that such

signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area and shall not exceed two (2) signs per

premises. In the Limited Commercial District, however, such signs shall not exceed sixteen

(16) square feet in area. Signs relating to goods or services not sold or rendered on the

premises shall be prohibited.

(2) Name signs are allowed, provided such signs shall not exceed two (2) signs per premises, and

shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in the aggregate.

(3) Residential users may display a single sign not over three (3) square feet in area relating to

the sale, rental, or lease of the premises.

(4) Signs relating to trespassing and hunting shall be allowed without restriction as to number

provided that no such sign shall exceed two (2) square feet in area.

(5) Signs relating to public safety shall be allowed without restriction.

(6) No sign shall extend higher than twenty (20) feet above the ground.

(7) Signs may be illuminated only by shielded, non-flashing lights.

I. Storm Water Runoff

(1) All new construction and development shall be designed to minimize storm water runoff

from the site in excess of the natural predevelopment conditions. Where possible, existing

natural runoff control features, such as berms, swales, terraces and wooded areas, shall be

retained in order to reduce runoff and encourage infiltration of stormwaters.

(2) Storm water runoff control systems shall be maintained as necessary to ensure proper

functioning.

NOTE: The Stormwater Management Law (38 M.R.S.A. section 420-D) requires a full permit to

be obtained from the DEP prior to construction of a project consisting of 20,000 square

feet or more of impervious area or 5 acres or more of a developed area in an urban

impaired stream watershed or most-at-risk lake watershed, or a project with 1 acre or

more of developed area in any other stream, coastal or wetland watershed. A permit-by-

rule is necessary for a project with one acre or more of disturbed area but less than 1 acre

impervious area (20,000 square feet for most-at-risk lakes and urban impaired streams)



- 23 -

and less than 5 acres of developed area. Furthermore, a Maine Construction General

Permit is required if the construction will result in one acre or more of disturbed area.

J. Septic Waste Disposal

(1) All subsurface sewage disposal systems shall be installed in conformance with the State of

Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules, and the following: a) clearing or removal

of woody vegetation necessary to site a new system and any associated fill extensions, shall

not extend closer than seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance, from the normal high-water

line of a water body or the upland edge of a wetland and b) a holding tank is not allowed for

a first-time residential use in the shoreland zone.

NOTE: The Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules require new systems, excluding fill

extensions, to be constructed no less than one hundred (100) horizontal feet from the normal

high-water line of a perennial water body. The minimum setback distance for a new

subsurface disposal system may not be reduced by variance.

K. Essential Services

(1) Where feasible, the installation of essential services shall be limited to existing public ways

and existing service corridors.

(2) The installation of essential services, other than road-side distribution lines, is not allowed in

a Resource Protection or Stream Protection District, except to provide services to a permitted

use within said district, or except where the applicant demonstrates that no reasonable

alternative exists. Where allowed, such structures and facilities shall be located so as to

minimize any adverse impacts on surrounding uses and resources, including visual impacts.

(3) Damaged or destroyed public utility transmission and distribution lines, towers and related

equipment may be replaced or reconstructed without a permit.

L. Mineral Exploration and Extraction. Mineral exploration to determine the nature or extent of

mineral resources shall be accomplished by hand sampling, test boring, or other methods which

create minimal disturbance of less than one hundred (100) square feet of ground surface. A

permit from the Code Enforcement Officer shall be required for mineral exploration which

exceeds the above limitation. All excavations, including test pits and holes, shall be immediately

capped, filled or secured by other equally effective measures to restore disturbed areas and to

protect the public health and safety.

Mineral extraction may be permitted under the following conditions:

(1) A reclamation plan shall be filed with, and approved, by the Planning Board before a permit

is granted. Such plan shall describe in detail procedures to be undertaken to fulfill the

requirements of Section 15 (M)(3)below.

(2) No part of any extraction operation, including drainage and runoff control features, shall be

permitted within one hundred (100) feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of

a great pond classified GPA or a river flowing to a great pond classified GPA, and within

seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of any other water



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body, tributary stream, or the upland edge of a wetland. Extraction operations shall not be

permitted within fifty (50) feet, horizontal distance, of any property line without written

permission of the owner of such adjacent property.

(3) Within twelve (12) months following the completion of extraction operations at any

extraction site, which operations shall be deemed complete when less than one hundred (100)

cubic yards of materials are removed in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, ground

levels and grades shall be established in accordance with the following:

(a) All debris, stumps, and similar material shall be removed for disposal in an approved

location, or shall be buried on-site. Only materials generated on-site may be buried or

covered on-site.

NOTE: The State of Maine Solid Waste Laws, 38 M.R.S.A., section 1301 and the solid waste

management rules, Chapters 400-419 of the Department of Environmental Protection's

regulations may contain other applicable provisions regarding disposal of such materials.

(b) The final graded slope shall be two and one-half to one (2 1/2:1) slope or flatter.

(c) Top soil or loam shall be retained to cover all disturbed land areas, which shall be

reseeded and stabilized with vegetation native to the area. Additional topsoil or loam

shall be obtained from off-site sources if necessary to complete the stabilization project.

(4) In keeping with the purposes of this Ordinance, the Planning Board may impose such

conditions as are necessary to minimize the adverse impacts associated with mineral

extraction operations on surrounding uses and resources.

M. Agriculture

(1) All spreading of manure shall be accomplished in conformance with the Manure Utilization

Guidelines published by the former Maine Department of Agriculture on November 1, 2001,

and the Nutrient Management Law (7 M.R.S.A. sections 4201-4209).

(2) Manure shall not be stored or stockpiled within one hundred (100) feet, horizontal distance,

of a great pond classified GPA or a river flowing to a great pond classified GPA, or within

seventy-five (75) feet horizontal distance, of other water bodies, tributary streams, or

wetlands. All manure storage areas within the shoreland zone must be constructed or

modified such that the facility produces no discharge of effluent or contaminated storm

water.

(3) Agricultural activities involving tillage of soil greater than forty thousand (40,000) square

feet in surface area, within the shoreland zone shall require a Conservation Plan to be filed

with the Planning Board. Non-conformance with the provisions of said plan shall be

considered to be a violation of this Ordinance.

NOTE: Assistance in preparing a Conservation Plan may be available through the local Soil and

Water Conservation District office.



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(4) There shall be no new tilling of soil within one-hundred (100) feet, horizontal distance, of

the normal high-water line of a great pond classified GPA; within seventy-five (75) feet,

horizontal distance, from other water bodies; nor within twenty-five (25) feet, horizontal

distance, of tributary streams and freshwater wetlands. Operations in existence on the

effective date of this ordinance and not in conformance with this provision may be

maintained.

(5) Newly established livestock grazing areas shall not be permitted within one hundred (100)

feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of a great pond classified GPA;

within seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance, of other water bodies; nor within twenty-

five (25) feet, horizontal distance, of tributary streams and freshwater wetlands. Livestock

grazing associated with ongoing farm activities, and which are not in conformance with the

above setback provisions may continue, provided that such grazing is conducted in

accordance with a Conservation Plan that has been filed with the Planning Board.

N. Clearing or Removal of Vegetation for Activities Other Than Timber Harvesting

(1) In a Resource Protection District abutting a great pond, there shall be no cutting of

vegetation within the strip of land extending 75 feet, horizontal distance, inland from the

normal high-water line, except to remove hazard trees as described in Section O.

Elsewhere, in any Resource Protection District the cutting or removal of vegetation shall be

limited to that which is necessary for uses expressly authorized in that district.

(2) Except in areas as described in Section N(1), above, within a strip of land extending one-

hundred (100) feet, horizontal distance, inland from the normal high-water line of a great

pond classified GPA or a river flowing to a great pond classified GPA, or within a strip

extending seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance, from any other water body, tributary

stream, or the upland edge of a wetland, a buffer strip of vegetation shall be preserved as

follows:

(a) There shall be no cleared opening greater than 250 square feet in the forest canopy (or

other existing woody vegetation if a forested canopy is not present) as measured from the

outer limits of the tree or shrub crown. However, a single footpath not to exceed six (6)

feet in width as measured between tree trunks and/or shrub stems is allowed for

accessing the shoreline provided that a cleared line of sight to the water through the

buffer strip is not created.

(b) Selective cutting of trees within the buffer strip is allowed provided that a well-

distributed stand of trees and other natural vegetation is maintained. For the purposes of

Section 15(N)(2)(b) a "well-distributed stand of trees" adjacent to a great pond classified

GPA or a river or stream flowing to a great pond classified GPA, shall be defined as

maintaining a rating score of 24 or more in each 25-foot by 50-foot rectangular (1250

square feet) area as determined by the following rating system.



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Diameter of Tree at 4-1/2 feet Above Points

Ground Level (inches)

2 - < 4 in. 1

4 – <8 in. 2

8-< 12 in. 4

12 in. or greater 8

Adjacent to other water bodies, tributary streams, and wetlands, a "well-distributed stand

of trees" is defined as maintaining a minimum rating score of 16 per 25-foot by 50-foot

rectangular area.

NOTE: As an example, adjacent to a great pond, if a 25-foot x 50-foot plot contains four (4)

trees between 2 and 4 inches in diameter, two trees between 4 and 8 inches in

diameter, three trees between 8 and 12 inches in diameter, and two trees over 12

inches in diameter, the rating score is:

(4x1)+(2x2) + (3x4) + (2x8) = 36 points

Thus, the 25-foot by 50-foot plot contains trees worth 36 points. Trees totaling 12

points (36- 24 =12) may be removed from the plot provided that no cleared openings

are created.

The following shall govern in applying this point system:

(i) The 25-foot by 50-foot rectangular plots must be established where the

landowner or lessee proposes clearing within the required buffer;

(ii) Each successive plot must be adjacent to, but not overlap a previous plot;

(iii) Any plot not containing the required points must have no vegetation removed

except as otherwise allowed by this Ordinance;

(iv) Any plot containing the required points may have vegetation removed down to

the minimum points required or as otherwise allowed by is Ordinance;

(v) Where conditions permit, no more than 50% of the points on any 25-foot by 50-

foot rectangular area may consist of trees greater than 12 inches in diameter.

For the purposes of Section 15N(2)(b) “other natural vegetation” is defined as retaining

existing vegetation under three (3) feet in height and other ground cover and retaining at

least five (5) saplings less than two (2) inches in diameter at four and one half (4 ½) feet

above ground level for each 25-foot by 50-foot rectangle area. If five saplings do not

exist, no woody stems less than two (2) inches in diameter can be removed until 5

saplings have been recruited into the plot.

Notwithstanding the above provisions, no more than 40% of the total volume of trees

four (4) inches or more in diameter, measured at 4 1/2 feet above ground level may be

removed in any ten (10) year period

(c) In order to protect water quality and wildlife habitat, existing vegetation under three (3)

feet in height and other ground cover, including leaf litter and the forest duff layer, shall

not be cut, covered, or removed, except to provide for a footpath or other permitted uses

as described in Section 15(N) paragraphs (2) and (2)(a) above.



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(d) Pruning of tree branches, on the bottom 1/3 of the tree is allowed.

(e) In order to maintain a buffer strip of vegetation, when the removal of storm-damaged,

dead or hazard trees results in the creation of cleared openings, these openings shall be

replanted with native tree species in accordance with Section O, below, unless existing

new tree growth is present.

(f) In order to maintain the vegetation in the shoreline buffer, clearing or removal of

vegetation for allowed activities, including associated construction and related

equipment operation, within or outside the shoreline buffer, must comply with the

requirements of Section 15.(N)(2).

(3) At distances greater than one hundred (100) feet, horizontal distance, from a great pond

classified GPA or a river flowing to a great pond classified GPA, and seventy-five (75) feet,

horizontal distance, from the normal high-water line of any other water body, tributary

stream, or the upland edge of a wetland, there shall be allowed on any lot, in any ten (10)

year period, selective cutting of not more than forty (40) percent of the volume of trees four

(4) inches or more in diameter, measured 4 1/2 feet above ground level. Tree removal in

conjunction with the development of permitted uses shall be included in the forty (40)

percent calculation. For the purposes of these standards volume may be considered to be

equivalent to basal area.

In no event shall cleared openings for any purpose, including but not limited to, principal and

accessory structures, driveways, lawns and sewage disposal areas, exceed in the aggregate,

25% of the lot area within the shoreland zone or ten thousand (10,000) square feet,

whichever is greater, including land previously cleared. This provision applies to the portion

of a lot within the shoreland zone, including the buffer area, but shall not apply to the

General Development Districts.

(4) Legally existing nonconforming cleared openings may be maintained, but shall not be

enlarged, except as allowed by this Ordinance.

(5) Fields and other cleared openings which have reverted to primarily shrubs, trees, or other

woody vegetation shall be regulated under the provisions of Section 15(N).

O. Hazard Trees, Storm-Damaged Trees and Dead Tree Removal

(1) Hazard trees in the shoreland zone may be removed without a permit after consultation

with the Code Enforcement Officer if the following requirements are met:

(a) Within the shoreline buffer, if the removal of a hazard tree results in a cleared

opening in the tree canopy greater than two hundred and fifty (250) square feet,

replacement with native tree species is required, unless there is new tree growth

already present. New tree growth must be as near as practicable to where the hazard

tree was removed and be at least two (2) inches in diameter, measured at four and one

half (4.5) feet above the ground level. If new growth is not present, then replacement

trees shall consist of native species and be at least four (4) feet in height, and be no



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less than two (2) inches in diameter. Stumps may not be removed.

(b) Outside of the shoreline buffer, when the removal of hazard trees exceeds forty (40)

percent of the volume of trees four (4) inches or more in diameter, measured at four

and one half (4.5) feet above ground level in any ten (10) year period, and/or results in

cleared openings exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the lot area within the

shoreland zone, or ten thousand (10,000) square feet, whichever is greater,

replacement with native tree species is required, unless there is new tree growth

already present. New tree growth must be as near as practicable to where the hazard

tree was removed and be at least two (2) inches in diameter, measured at four and one

half (4.5) feet above the ground level. If new growth is not present, then replacement

trees shall consist of native species and be at least two (2) inches in diameter,

measured at four and one half (4.5) feet above the ground level.

(c) The removal of standing dead trees, resulting from natural causes, is permissible

without the need for replanting or a permit, as long as the removal does not result in

the creation of new lawn areas, or other permanently cleared areas, and stumps are not

removed. For the purposes of this provision dead trees are those trees that contain no

foliage during the growing season

(d) The Code Enforcement Officer may require the property owner to submit an

evaluation from a licensed forester or arborist before any hazard tree can be removed

within the shoreland zone

(e) The Code Enforcement Officer may require more than a one–for-one replacement for

hazard trees removed that exceed eight (8) inches in diameter measured at four and

one half (4.5) feet above the ground level

(2) Storm-damaged trees in the shoreland zone may be removed without a permit after

consultation with the Code Enforcement Officer if the following requirements are met

(a) Within the shoreline buffer, when the removal of storm-damaged trees results in a

cleared opening in the tree canopy greater than two hundred and fifty (250) square

feet, replanting is not required, but the area shall be required to naturally revegetate,

and the following requirements must be met

(i) The area from which a storm-damaged tree is removed does not result in new

lawn areas, or other permanently cleared areas;

(ii) Stumps from the storm-damaged trees may not be removed;

(iii) Limbs damaged from a storm event may be pruned even if they extend

beyond the bottom one-third (1/3) of the tree; and

(iv) If after one growing season, no natural regeneration or regrowth is present,

replanting of native tree seedlings or saplings is required at a density of one

seedling per every eighty (80) square feet of lost canopy

(b) Outside of the shoreline buffer, if the removal of storm damaged trees exceeds 40%



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of the volume of trees four (4) inches or more in diameter, measured at four and one

half (4.5) feet above the ground level in any ten (10) year period, or results, in the

aggregate, in cleared openings exceeding 25% of the lot area within the shoreland

zone or ten thousand (10,000) square feet, whichever is greater, and no natural

regeneration occurs within one growing season, then native tree seedlings or saplings

shall be replanted on a one-for-one basis.

P. Exemptions to Clearing and Vegetation Removal Requirements

The following activities are exempt from the clearing and vegetation removal standards set forth

in Section 15(N), provided that all other applicable requirements of this chapter are complied

with, and the removal of vegetation is limited to that which is necessary:

(1) The removal of vegetation that occurs at least once every two (2) years for the maintenance

of legally existing areas that do not comply with the vegetation standards in this chapter,

such as but not limited to cleared openings in the canopy or fields. Such areas shall not be

enlarged, except as allowed by this section. If any of these areas, due to lack of removal of

vegetation every two (2) years, reverts back to primarily woody vegetation, the requirements

of Section 15(N) apply;

(2) The removal of vegetation from the location of allowed structures or allowed uses, when the

shoreline setback requirements of section 15(B) are not applicable;

(3) The removal of vegetation from the location of public swimming areas associated with an

allowed public recreational facility;

(4) The removal of vegetation associated with allowed agricultural uses, provided best

management practices are utilized, and provided all requirements of section 15(M) are

complied with;

(5) The removal of vegetation associated with brownfields or voluntary response action program

(VRAP) projects provided that the removal of vegetation is necessary for remediation

activities to clean-up contamination on a site in a general development district, commercial

fisheries and maritime activities district or other equivalent zoning district approved by the

Commissioner that is part of a state or federal brownfields program or a voluntary response

action program pursuant 38 M.R.S.A section 343-E, and that is located along:

(a) A coastal wetland; or

(b) A river that does not flow to a great pond classified as GPA pursuant to 38 M.R.S.A

section 465-A.

(6) The removal of non-native invasive vegetation species, provided the following minimum

requirements are met:

(a) If removal of vegetation occurs via wheeled or tracked motorized equipment, the

wheeled or tracked motorized equipment is operated and stored at least twenty-five (25)

feet, horizontal distance, from the shoreline, except that wheeled or tracked equipment

may be operated or stored on existing structural surfaces, such as pavement or gravel;



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(b) Removal of vegetation within twenty-five (25) feet, horizontal distance, from the

shoreline occurs via hand tools; and

(c) If applicable clearing and vegetation removal standards are exceeded due to the removal

of non-native invasive species vegetation, the area shall be revegetated with native

species to achieve compliance.

(7) The removal of vegetation associated with emergency response activities conducted by the

Department, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, and their

agents.

Q. Revegetation Requirements

When revegetation is required in response to violations of the vegetation standards set forth in

Section 15(N), to address the removal of non- native invasive species of vegetation, or as a

mechanism to allow for development that may otherwise not be permissible due to the vegetation

standards, including removal of vegetation in conjunction with a shoreline stabilization project,

the revegation must comply with the following requirements.

(1) The property owner must submit a revegetation plan, prepared with and signed by a qualified

professional, that describes revegetation activities and maintenance. The plan must include a

scaled site plan, depicting where vegetation was, or is to be removed, where existing

vegetation is to remain, and where vegetation is to be planted, including a list of all

vegetation to be planted.

(2) Revegetation must occur along the same segment of shoreline and in the same area where

vegetation was removed and at a density comparable to the pre-existing vegetation, except

where a shoreline stabilization activity does not allow revegetation to occur in the same area

and at a density comparable to the pre-existing vegetation, in which case revegetation must

occur along the same segment of shoreline and as close as possible to the area where

vegetation was removed:

(3) If part of a permitted activity, revegetation shall occur before the expiration of the permit. If

the activity or revegetation is not completed before the expiration of the permit, a new

revegetation plan shall be submitted with any renewal or new permit application.

(4) Revegetation activities must meet the following requirements for trees and saplings:

(a) All trees and saplings removed must be replaced with native noninvasive species;

(b) Replacement vegetation must at a minimum consist of saplings;

(c) If more than three (3) trees or saplings are planted, then at least three (3) different

species shall be used;

(d) No one species shall make up 50% or more of the number of trees and saplings planted; (e) If revegetation is required for a shoreline stabilization project, and it is not possible to

plant trees and saplings in the same area where trees or saplings were removed, then



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trees or sapling must be planted in a location that effectively reestablishes the screening between the shoreline and structures; and

(f) A survival rate of at least eighty (80) percent of planted trees or saplings is required for a

minimum five (5) years period.

(5) Revegetation activities must meet the following requirements for woody vegetation and other vegetation under three (3) feet in height:

(a) All woody vegetation and vegetation under three (3) feet in height must be replaced with

native noninvasive species of woody vegetation and vegetation under three (3) feet in height as applicable;

(b) Woody vegetation and vegetation under three (3) feet in height shall be planted in

quantities and variety sufficient to prevent erosion and provide for effective infiltration of stormwater;

(c) If more than three (3) woody vegetation plants are to be planted, then at least three (3)

different species shall be planted; (d) No one species shall make up 50% or more of the number of planted woody vegetation

plants; and (e) Survival of planted woody vegetation and vegetation under three feet in height must be

sufficient to remain in compliance with the standards contained within this chapter for minimum of five (5) years

(6) Revegetation activities must meet the following requirements for ground vegetation and

ground cover:

(a) All ground vegetation and ground cover removed must be replaced with native herbaceous vegetation, in quantities and variety sufficient to prevent erosion and provide for effective infiltration of stormwater;

(b) Where necessary due to a lack of sufficient ground cover, an area must be supplemented

with a minimum four (4) inch depth of leaf mulch and/or bark mulch to prevent erosion and provide for effective infiltration of stormwater; and

(c) Survival and functionality of ground vegetation and ground cover must be sufficient to

remain in compliance with the standards contained within this chapter for minimum of five (5) years.

R. Erosion and Sedimentation Control

(1) All activities which involve filling, grading, excavation or other similar activities which

result in unstabilized soil conditions and which require a permit shall also require a written

soil erosion and sedimentation control plan. The plan shall be submitted to the permitting

authority for approval and shall include, where applicable, provisions for:

(a) Mulching and revegetation of disturbed soil.

(b) Temporary runoff control features such as hay bales, silt fencing or diversion ditches.

(c) Permanent stabilization structures such as retaining walls or rip-rap.



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(2) In order to create the least potential for erosion, development shall be designed to fit with the

topography and soils of the site. Areas of steep slopes where high cuts and fills may be

required shall be avoided wherever possible, and natural contours shall be followed as

closely as possible.

(3) Erosion and sedimentation control measures shall apply to all aspects of the proposed project

involving land disturbance, and shall be in operation during all stages of the activity. The

amount of exposed soil at every phase of construction shall be minimized to reduce the

potential for erosion.

(4) Any exposed ground area shall be temporarily or permanently stabilized within one (1) week

from the time it was last actively worked, by use of riprap, sod, seed, and mulch, or other

effective measures. In all cases permanent stabilization shall occur within nine (9) months of

the initial date of exposure. In addition:

(a) Where mulch is used, it shall be applied at a rate of at least one (1) bale per five hundred

(500) square feet and shall be maintained until a catch of vegetation is established.

(b) Anchoring the mulch with netting, peg and twine or other suitable method may be

required to maintain the mulch cover.

(c) Additional measures shall be taken where necessary in order to avoid siltation into the

water. Such measures may include the use of staked hay bales and/or silt fences.

(5) Natural and man-made drainage ways and drainage outlets shall be protected from erosion

from water flowing through them. Drainageways shall be designed and constructed in order

to carry water from a twenty five (25) year storm or greater, and shall be stabilized with

vegetation or lined with riprap.

S. Soils. All land uses shall be located on soils in or upon which the proposed uses or structures

can be established or maintained without causing adverse environmental impacts, including

severe erosion, mass soil movement, improper drainage, and water pollution, whether during or

after construction. Proposed uses requiring subsurface waste disposal, and commercial or

industrial development and other similar intensive land uses, shall require a soils report based on

an on-site investigation and be prepared by state-certified professionals. Certified persons may

include Maine Certified Soil Scientists, Maine Registered Professional Engineers, Maine State

Certified Geologists and other persons who have training and experience in the recognition and

evaluation of soil properties. The report shall be based upon the analysis of the characteristics of

the soil and surrounding land and water areas, maximum ground water elevation, presence of

ledge, drainage conditions, and other pertinent data which the evaluator deems appropriate. The

soils report shall include recommendations for a proposed use to counteract soil limitations

where they exist.

T. Water Quality. No activity shall deposit on or into the ground or discharge to the waters of the

State any pollutant that, by itself or in combination with other activities or substances, will

impair designated uses or the water classification of the water body, tributary stream or wetland.



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U. Archaeological Site. Any proposed land use activity involving structural development or soil

disturbance on or adjacent to sites listed on, or eligible to be listed on the National Register of

Historic Places, as determined by the permitting authority, shall be submitted by the applicant to

the Maine Historic Preservation Commission for review and comment, at least twenty (20) days

prior to action being taken by the permitting authority. The permitting authority shall consider

comments received from the Commission prior to rendering a decision on the application.

16. Administration

A. Administering Bodies and Agents

(1) Code Enforcement Officer. A Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed or reappointed

annually by July 1st.

(2) Board of Appeals. A Board of Appeals shall be created in accordance with the provisions of

30-A M.R.S.A. section 2691.

(3) Planning Board. A Planning Board shall be created in accordance with the provisions of

State law.

B. Permits Required. After the effective date of this Ordinance no person shall, without first

obtaining a permit, engage in any activity or use of land or structure requiring a permit in the

district in which such activity or use would occur; or expand, change, or replace an existing use

or structure; or renew a discontinued nonconforming use. A person who is issued a permit

pursuant to this Ordinance shall have a copy of the permit on site while the work authorized by

the permit is performed.

(1) A permit is not required for the replacement of an existing road culvert as long as:

(a) The replacement culvert is not more than 25% longer than the culvert being replaced;

(b) The replacement culvert is not longer than 75 feet; and

(c) Adequate erosion control measures are taken to prevent sedimentation of the water, and

the crossing does not block fish passage in the watercourse.

(2) A permit is not required for an archaeological excavation as long as the excavation is

conducted by an archaeologist listed on the State Historic Preservation Officer’s level 1 or

level 2 approved list, and unreasonable erosion and sedimentation is prevented by means of

adequate and timely temporary and permanent stabilization measures.

(3) Any permit required by this Ordinance shall be in addition to any other permit required by

other law or ordinance.

C. Permit Application

(1) Every applicant for a permit shall submit a written application, including a scaled site plan,

on a form provided by the municipality, to the appropriate official as indicated in Section 14.



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(2) All applications shall be signed by an owner or individual who can show evidence of right,

title or interest in the property or by an agent, representative, tenant, or contractor of the

owner with authorization from the owner to apply for a permit hereunder, certifying that the

information in the application is complete and correct.

(3) All applications shall be dated, and the Code Enforcement Officer or Planning Board, as

appropriate, shall note upon each application the date and time of its receipt.

(4) If the property is not served by a public sewer, a valid plumbing permit or a completed

application for a plumbing permit, including the site evaluation approved by the Plumbing

Inspector, shall be submitted whenever the nature of the proposed structure or use would

require the installation of a subsurface sewage disposal system.

(5) When an excavation contractor will perform an activity that requires or results in more than

one (1) cubic yard of soil disturbance, the person responsible for management of erosion and

sedimentation control practices at the site must be certified in erosion control practices by

the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. This person must be present at the site

each day earthmoving activity occurs for a duration that is sufficient to ensure that proper

erosion and sedimentation control practices are followed. This is required until erosion and

sedimentation control measures have been installed, which will either stay in place

permanently or stay in place until the area is sufficiently covered with vegetation necessary

to prevent soil erosion. The name and certification number of the person who will oversee

the activity causing or resulting in soil disturbance shall be included on the permit

application. This requirement does not apply to a person or firm engaged in agriculture or

timber harvesting if best management practices for erosion and sedimentation control are

used; and municipal, state and federal employees engaged in projects associated with that

employment.

D. Procedure for Administering Permits. Within 35 days of the date of receiving a written

application, the Planning Board or Code Enforcement Officer, as indicated in Section 14, shall

notify the applicant in writing either that the application is a complete application, or, if the

application is incomplete, that specified additional material is needed to make the application

complete. The Planning Board or the Code Enforcement Officer, as appropriate, shall approve,

approve with conditions, or deny all permit applications in writing within 35 days of receiving a

completed application. However, if the Planning Board has a waiting list of applications, a

decision on the application shall occur within 35 days after the first available date on the

Planning Board's agenda following receipt of the completed application, or within 35 days of the

public hearing, if the proposed use or structure is found to be in conformance with the purposes

and provisions of this Ordinance.

The applicant shall have the burden of proving that the proposed land use activity is in

conformity with the purposes and provisions of this Ordinance.

After the submission of a complete application to the Planning Board, the Board shall approve an

application or approve it with conditions if it makes a positive finding based on the information

presented that the proposed use:

(1) Will maintain safe and healthful conditions;



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(2) Will not result in water pollution, erosion, or sedimentation to surface waters;

(3) Will adequately provide for the disposal of all wastewater;

(4) Will not have an adverse impact on spawning grounds, fish, aquatic life, bird or other

wildlife habitat;

(5) Will conserve shore cover and visual, as well as actual, points of access to inland waters;

(6) Will protect archaeological and historic resources as designated in the comprehensive plan;

(7) Will avoid problems associated with floodplain development and use; and

(8) Is in conformance with the provisions of Section 15, Land Use Standards.

If a permit is either denied or approved with conditions, the reasons as well as conditions shall be

stated in writing. No approval shall be granted for an application involving a structure if the

structure would be located in an unapproved subdivision or would violate any other local

ordinance, or regulation or statute administered by the municipality.

E. Special Exceptions. In addition to the criteria specified in Section 16(D) above, excepting

structure setback requirements, the Code Enforcement Officer may approve a permit for a single

family residential structure in a Resource Protection District provided that the applicant

demonstrates that all of the following conditions are met:

(1) There is no location on the property, other than a location within the Resource Protection

District, where the structure can be built.

(2) The lot on which the structure is proposed is undeveloped and was established and recorded

in the registry of deeds of the county in which the lot is located before the adoption of the

Resource Protection District.

(3) All proposed buildings, sewage disposal systems and other improvements are:

(a) Located on natural ground slopes of less than 20%; and

(b) Located outside the floodway of the 100-year flood-plain along rivers and artificially

formed great ponds along rivers, based on detailed flood insurance studies and as

delineated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Boundary and

Floodway Maps and Flood Insurance Rate Maps; all buildings, including basements, are

elevated at least one foot above the 100-year flood-plain elevation; and the development

is otherwise in compliance with any applicable municipal flood-plain ordinance.

If the floodway is not shown on the Federal Emergency Management Agency Maps, it is

deemed to be 1/2 the width of the 100-year flood-plain.



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(4) The total footprint, including cantilevered or similar overhanging extensions, of all principal

and accessory structures is limited to a maximum of 1,500 square feet. This limitation shall

not be altered by variance.

(5) All structures, except functionally water-dependent structures, are set back from the normal

high-water line of a water body, tributary stream or upland edge of a wetland to the greatest

practical extent, but not less than 75 feet, horizontal distance. In determining the greatest

practical extent, the Code Enforcement Officer shall consider the depth of the lot, the slope

of the land, the potential for soil erosion, the type and amount of vegetation to be removed,

the proposed building site's elevation in regard to the flood-plain, and its proximity to

moderate-value and high-value wetlands.

F. Expiration of Permit. Permits shall expire one year from the date of issuance if a substantial

start is not made in construction or in the use of the property during that period. If a substantial

start is made within one year of the issuance of the permit, the applicant shall have one additional

year to complete the project, at which time the permit shall expire.

G. Installation of Public Utility Service. A public utility, water district, sanitary district or any

utility company of any kind may not install services to any new structure located in the shoreland

zone unless written authorization attesting to the validity and currency of all local permits

required under this or any previous Ordinance has been issued by the appropriate municipal

officials or other written arrangements have been made between the municipal officials and the

utility.

H. Appeals

(1) Powers and Duties of the Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals shall have the following

powers:

(a) Administrative Appeals: To hear and decide administrative appeals, on an appellate

basis, where it is alleged by an aggrieved party that there is an error in any order,

requirement, decision, or determination made by, or failure to act by, the Planning Board in

the administration of this Ordinance; and to hear and decide administrative appeals on a de

novo basis where it is alleged by an aggrieved party that there is an error in any order,

requirement, decision or determination made by, or failure to act by, the Code Enforcement

Officer in his or her review of and action on a permit application under this Ordinance.

Any order, requirement, decision or determination made, or failure to act, in the

enforcement of this ordinance is not appealable to the Board of Appeals.

(b) Variance Appeals: To authorize variances upon appeal, within the limitations set forth in

this Ordinance.

(2) Variance Appeals. Variances may be granted only under the following conditions:

(a) Variances may be granted only from dimensional requirements including, but not limited

to, lot width, structure height, percent of lot coverage, and setback requirements.



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(b) Variances shall not be granted for establishment of any uses otherwise prohibited by this

Ordinance.

(c) The Board shall not grant a variance unless it finds that:

(i) The proposed structure or use would meet the provisions of Section 15 except for the

specific provision which has created the non-conformity and from which relief is

sought; and

(ii) The strict application of the terms of this Ordinance would result in undue hardship.

The term "undue hardship" shall mean:

a. That the land in question cannot yield a reasonable return unless a variance is

granted;

b. That the need for a variance is due to the unique circumstances of the property and

not to the general conditions in the neighborhood;

c. That the granting of a variance will not alter the essential character of the locality;

and

d. That the hardship is not the result of action taken by the applicant or a prior owner.

(d) Notwithstanding Section 16(H)(2)(c)(ii) above, the Board of Appeals, or the Code

Enforcement Officer if authorized in accordance with 30-A MRSA Section 4353-A, may

grant a variance to an owner of a residential dwelling for the purpose of making that

dwelling accessible to a person with a disability who resides in or regularly uses the

dwelling. The board shall restrict any variance granted under this subsection solely to the

installation of equipment or the construction of structures necessary for access to or egress

from the dwelling by the person with the disability. The board may impose conditions on

the variance, including limiting the variance to the duration of the disability or to the time

that the person with the disability lives in the dwelling. The term “structures necessary for

access to or egress from the dwelling" shall include railing, wall or roof systems necessary

for the safety or effectiveness of the structure. Any permit issued pursuant to this

subsection is subject to Sections 16(H)(2)(f) and 16(H)(4)(b)(iv) below.

(e) The Board of Appeals shall limit any variances granted as strictly as possible in order to

ensure conformance with the purposes and provisions of this Ordinance to the greatest

extent possible, and in doing so may impose such conditions to a variance as it deems

necessary. The party receiving the variance shall comply with any conditions imposed.

(f) A copy of each variance request, including the application and all supporting information

supplied by the applicant, shall be forwarded by the municipal officials to the

Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection at least twenty (20) days

prior to action by the Board of Appeals. Any comments received from the Commissioner

prior to the action by the Board of Appeals shall be made part of the record and shall be

taken into consideration by the Board of Appeals.



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(3) Administrative Appeals

When the Board of Appeals reviews a decision of the Code Enforcement Officer the Board of

Appeals shall hold a “de novo” hearing. At this time the Board may receive and consider new

evidence and testimony, be it oral or written. When acting in a “de novo” capacity the Board of

Appeals shall hear and decide the matter afresh, undertaking its own independent analysis of

evidence and the law, and reaching its own decision.

When the Board of Appeals hears a decision of the Planning Board, it shall hold an appellate

hearing, and may reverse the decision of the Planning Board only upon finding that the

decision was contrary to specific provisions of the Ordinance or contrary to the facts presented

to the Planning Board. The Board of Appeals may only review the record of the proceedings

before the Planning Board. The Board Appeals shall not receive or consider any evidence

which was not presented to the Planning Board, but the Board of Appeals may receive and

consider written or oral arguments. If the Board of Appeals determines that the record of the

Planning Board proceedings are inadequate, the Board of Appeals may remand the matter to

the Planning Board for additional fact finding.

(4) Appeal Procedure

(a) Making an Appeal

(i) An administrative or variance appeal may be taken to the Board of Appeals by an

aggrieved party from any decision of the Code Enforcement Officer or the Planning

Board, except for enforcement-related matters as described in Section 16(H)(1)(a)

above. Such an appeal shall be taken within thirty (30) days of the date of the official,

written decision appealed from, and not otherwise, except that the Board, upon a

showing of good cause, may waive the thirty (30) day requirement.

(ii) Applications for appeals shall be made by filing with the Board of Appeals a written

notice of appeal which includes:

a. A concise written statement indicating what relief is requested and why the appeal

or variance should be granted.

b. A sketch drawn to scale showing lot lines, location of existing buildings and

structures and other physical features of the lot pertinent to the relief sought.

(iii) Upon receiving an application for an administrative appeal or a variance, the Code

Enforcement Officer or Planning Board, as appropriate, shall transmit to the Board of

Appeals all of the papers constituting the record of the decision appealed from.

(iv) The Board of Appeals shall hold a public hearing on an administrative appeal or a

request for a variance within thirty-five (35) days of its receipt of a complete written

application, unless this time period is extended by the parties.



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(b) Decision by Board of Appeals

(i) A majority of the full voting membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum

for the purpose of deciding an appeal.

(ii) The person filing the appeal shall have the burden of proof.

(iii) The Board shall decide all administrative appeals and variance appeals within

thirty five (35) days after the close of the hearing, and shall issue a written

decision on all appeals.

(iv) The Board of Appeals shall state the reasons and basis for its decision, including a

statement of the facts found and conclusions reached by the Board. The Board

shall cause written notice of its decision to be mailed or hand-delivered to the

applicant and to the Department of Environmental Protection within seven (7) days

of the Board’s decision. Copies of written decisions of the Board of Appeals shall

be given to the Planning Board, Code Enforcement Officer, and the municipal

officers.

(5) Appeal to Superior Court. Except as provided by 30-A M.R.S.A. section 2691(3)(F), any

aggrieved party who participated as a party during the proceedings before the Board of Appeals

may take an appeal to Superior Court in accordance with State laws within forty-five (45) days

from the date of any decision of the Board of Appeals.

(6) Reconsideration. In accordance with 30-A M.R.S.A. section 2691(3)(F), the Board of

Appeals may reconsider any decision within forty-five (45) days of its prior decision. A

request to the Board to reconsider a decision must be filed within ten (10) days of the decision

that is being reconsidered. A vote to reconsider and the action taken on that reconsideration

must occur and be completed within forty-five (45) days of the date of the vote on the original

decision. Reconsideration of a decision shall require a positive vote of the majority of the

Board members originally voting on the decision, and proper notification to the landowner,

petitioner, planning board, code enforcement officer, and other parties of interest, including

abuttors and those who testified at the original hearing(s). The Board may conduct additional

hearings and receive additional evidence and testimony.

Appeal of a reconsidered decision to Superior Court must be made within fifteen (15) days

after the decision on reconsideration.

I. Enforcement

(1) Nuisances. Any violation of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be a nuisance.

(2) Code Enforcement Officer

(a) It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer to enforce the provisions of this

Ordinance. If the Code Enforcement Officer shall find that any provision of this Ordinance

is being violated, he or she shall notify in writing the person responsible for such violation,

indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it,

including discontinuance of illegal use of land, buildings or structures, or work being done,



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removal of illegal buildings or structures, and abatement of nuisance conditions. A copy of

such notices shall be submitted to the municipal officers and be maintained as a permanent

record.

(b) The Code Enforcement Officer shall conduct on-site inspections to insure compliance with

all applicable laws and conditions attached to permit approvals. The Code Enforcement

Officer shall also investigate all complaints of alleged violations of this Ordinance.

(c) The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep a complete record of all essential transactions of

the office, including applications submitted, permits granted or denied, variances granted

or denied, revocation actions, revocation of permits, appeals, court actions, violations

investigated, violations found, and fees collected.

(3) Legal Actions. When the above action does not result in the correction or abatement of the

violation or nuisance condition, the Municipal Officers, upon notice from the Code

Enforcement Officer, are hereby directed to institute any and all actions and proceedings,

either legal or equitable, including seeking injunctions of violations and the imposition of

fines, that may be appropriate or necessary to enforce the provisions of this Ordinance in the

name of the municipality. The municipal officers, or their authorized agent, are hereby

authorized to enter into administrative consent agreements for the purpose of eliminating

violations of this Ordinance and recovering fines without Court action. Such agreements shall

not allow an illegal structure or use to continue unless there is clear and convincing evidence

that the illegal structure or use was constructed or conducted as a direct result of erroneous

advice given by an authorized municipal official and there is no evidence that the owner acted

in bad faith, or unless the removal of the structure or use will result in a threat or hazard to

public health and safety or will result in substantial environmental damage.

(4) Fines. Any person, including but not limited to a landowner, a landowner's agent or a

contractor, who violates any provision or requirement of this Ordinance shall be penalized in

accordance with 30-A, M.R.S.A. section 4452.

NOTE: Current penalties include fines of not less than $100 nor more than $2500 per violation for

each day that the violation continues. However, in a resource protection district the

maximum penalty is increased to $5000 (38 M.R.S.A. section 4452).

17. Definitions.

Accessory structure or use - a use or structure which is incidental and subordinate to the principal use

or structure. Accessory uses, when aggregated, shall not subordinate the principal use of the lot. A

deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a

roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

Aggrieved party - an owner of land whose property is directly or indirectly affected by the granting or

denial of a permit or variance under this Ordinance; a person whose land abuts land for which a permit

or variance has been granted; or any other person or group of persons who have suffered particularized

injury as a result of the granting or denial of such permit or variance.

Agriculture - the production, keeping or maintenance for sale or lease, of plants or animals, including

but not limited to: forages and sod crops, grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products;



- 41 -

poultry and poultry products, livestock, fruits and vegetables; and ornamental green-house products.

Agriculture does not include forest management and timber harvesting activities.

Aquaculture - the growing or propagation of harvestable freshwater, estuarine, or marine plant or

animal species.

Basal Area - the area of cross-section of a tree stem at 4 1/2 feet above ground level and inclusive of

bark.

Basement - any portion of a structure with a floor-to-ceiling height of 6 feet or more and having

more than 50% of its volume below the existing ground level.

Boat Launching Facility - a facility designed primarily for the launching and landing of watercraft,

and which may include an access ramp, docking area, and parking spaces for vehicles and trailers.

Bureau of Forestry – State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau

of Forestry.

Campground - any area or tract of land to accommodate two (2) or more parties in temporary living

quarters, including, but not limited to tents, recreational vehicles or other shelters.

Canopy – the more or less continuous cover formed by tree crowns in a wooded area.

Commercial use - the use of lands, buildings, or structures, other than a "home occupation," defined

below, the intent and result of which activity is the production of income from the buying and selling

of goods and/or services, exclusive of rental of residential buildings and/or dwelling units.

Development – a change in land use involving alteration of the land, water or vegetation, or the

addition or alteration of structures or other construction not naturally occurring.

Dimensional requirements - numerical standards relating to spatial relationships including but not

limited to setback, lot area, shore frontage and height.

Disability - any disability, infirmity, malformation, disfigurement, congenital defect or mental

condition caused by bodily injury, accident, disease, birth defect, environmental conditions or illness;

and also includes the physical or mental condition of a person which constitutes a substantial handicap

as determined by a physician or in the case of mental handicap, by a psychiatrist or psychologist, as

well as any other health or sensory impairment which requires special education, vocational

rehabilitation or related services.

Driveway - a vehicular access-way less than five hundred (500) feet in length serving two single-

family dwellings or one two-family dwelling, or less.

Emergency operations - operations conducted for the public health, safety or general welfare, such

as protection of resources from immediate destruction or loss, law enforcement, and operations to

rescue human beings, property and livestock from the threat of destruction or injury.

Essential services - gas, electrical or communication facilities; steam, fuel, electric power or water

transmission or distribution lines, towers and related equipment; telephone cables or lines, poles and



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related equipment; gas, oil, water, slurry or other similar pipelines; municipal sewage lines, collection

or supply systems; and associated storage tanks. Such systems may include towers, poles, wires,

mains, drains, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarms and police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants and

similar accessories, but shall not include service drops or buildings which are necessary for the

furnishing of such services.

Excavation contractor- an individual or firm engaged in a business that causes the distrubace of soil,

including grading, filling and removal, or in a business in which the disturbance of soil results from an

activity that the individual or firm is retained to perform.

Expansion of a structure - an increase in the footprint or height of a structure, including all

extensions such as, but not limited to: attached decks, garages, porches and greenhouses.

Expansion of use - the addition of one or more months to a use's operating season; or the use of more

footprint of a structure devoted to a particular use.

Family - one or more persons occupying a premises and living as a single housekeeping unit.

Floodway - the channel of a river or other watercourse and adjacent land areas that must be reserved

in order to discharge the 100-year flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation

by more than one foot in height.

Floor area - the sum of the horizontal areas of the floor(s) of a structure enclosed by exterior walls.

Footprint - the entire area of ground covered by the structure(s) on a lot, including but not limited to

cantilevered or similar overhanging extensions, as well as unenclosed structures, such as patios and decks.

Forested wetland - a freshwater wetland dominated by woody vegetation that is six (6) meters tall

(approximately twenty (20) feet) or taller.

Foundation - the supporting substructure of a building or other structure, excluding wooden sills and

post supports, but including basements, slabs, frostwalls, or other base consisting of concrete, block,

brick or similar material.

Freshwater wetland - freshwater swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas, other than forested

wetlands, which are:

1. Of ten or more contiguous acres; or of less than 10 contiguous acres and adjacent to a

surface water body, excluding any river, stream or brook, such that in a natural state, the

combined surface area is in excess of 10 acres; and

2. Inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and for a duration

sufficient to support, and which under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of

wetland vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soils.

Freshwater wetlands may contain small stream channels or inclusions of land that do not conform to

the criteria of this definition.



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Functionally water-dependent uses - those uses that require, for their primary purpose, location on

submerged lands or that require direct access to, or location in, coastal or inland waters and that can

not be located away from these waters. The uses include, but are not limited to commercial and

recreational fishing and boating facilities, finfish and shellfish processing, fish-related storage and

retail and wholesale fish marketing facilities, waterfront dock and port facilities, shipyards and boat

building facilities, marinas, navigation aids, basins and channels, shoreline structures necessary for

erosion control purposes, industrial uses dependent upon water-borne transportation or requiring

large volumes of cooling or processing water that can not reasonably be located or operated at an

inland site, and uses that primarily provide general public access to coastal or inland waters.

Recreational boat storage buildings are not considered to be a functionally water-dependent use.

Great pond - any inland body of water which in a natural state has a surface area in excess of ten

acres, and any inland body of water artificially formed or increased which has a surface area in

excess of thirty (30) acres except for the purposes of this Ordinance, where the artificially formed or

increased inland body of water is completely surrounded by land held by a single owner,

Great pond classified GPA - any great pond classified GPA, pursuant to 38 M.R.S.A. Article 4-A

Section 465-A. This classification includes some, but not all impoundments of rivers that are defined

as great ponds.

Ground cover – small plants, fallen leaves, needles and twigs, and the partially decayed organic

matter of the forest floor.

Hazard tree - a tree with a structural defect, combination of defects, or disease resulting in a

structural defect that under the normal range of environmental conditions at the site exhibits a high

probability of failure and loss of a major structural component of the tree in a manner that will strike

a target. A normal range of environmental conditions does not include meteorological anomalies,

such as, but not limited to: hurricanes; hurricane-force winds; tornados; microbursts; or significant

ice storm events. Hazard trees also include those trees that pose a serious and imminent risk to bank

stability. A target is the area where personal injury or property damage could occur if the tree or a

portion of the tree fails. Targets include roads, driveways, parking areas, structures, campsites, and

any other developed area where people frequently gather and linger.

Height of a structure - the vertical distance between the mean original (prior to construction) grade

at the downhill side of the structure and the highest point of the structure, excluding chimneys,

steeples, antennas, and similar appurtenances that have no floor area.

Home occupation - an occupation or profession which is customarily conducted on or in a

residential structure or property and which is 1) clearly incidental to and compatible with the

residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses; and 2) which employs no more than

two (2) persons other than family members residing in the home.

Increase in nonconformity of a structure - any change in a structure or property which causes

further deviation from the dimensional standard(s) creating the nonconformity such as, but not

limited to, reduction in water body, tributary stream or wetland setback distance, increase in lot

coverage, or increase in height of a structure. Property changes or structure expansions which either

meet the dimensional standard or which cause no further increase in the linear extent of

nonconformance of the existing structure shall not be considered to increase nonconformity. For

example, there is no increase in nonconformity with the setback requirement for water bodies,



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wetlands, or tributary streams if the expansion extends no further into the required setback area than

does any portion of the existing nonconforming structure. Hence, a structure may be expanded

laterally provided that the expansion extends no closer to the water body, tributary stream, or wetland

than the closest portion of the existing structure from that water body, tributary stream, or wetland.

Included in this allowance are expansions which in-fill irregularly shaped structures.

Individual private campsite - an area of land which is not associated with a campground, but which

is developed for repeated camping by only one group not to exceed ten (10) individuals and which

involves site improvements which may include but not be limited to a gravel pad, parking area, fire

place, or tent platform.

Industrial - The assembling, fabrication, finishing, manufacturing, packaging or processing of

goods, or the extraction of minerals.

Institutional – a non-profit or quasi-public use, or institution such as a church, library, public or

private school, hospital, or municipally owned or operated building, structure or land used for public

purposes.

Lot area - The area of land enclosed within the boundary lines of a lot, minus land below the normal

high-water line of a water body or upland edge of a wetland and areas beneath roads serving more

than two lots.

Marina - a business establishment having frontage on navigable water and, as its principal use,

providing for hire offshore moorings or docking facilities for boats, and which may also provide

accessory services such as boat and related sales, boat repair and construction, indoor and outdoor

storage of boats and marine equipment, bait and tackle shops and marine fuel service facilities.

Market value - the estimated price a property will bring in the open market and under prevailing

market conditions in a sale between a willing seller and a willing buyer, both conversant with the

property and with prevailing general price levels.

Mineral exploration - hand sampling, test boring, or other methods of determining the nature or

extent of mineral resources which create minimal disturbance to the land and which include

reasonable measures to restore the land to its original condition.

Mineral extraction - any operation within any twelve (12) month period which removes more than

one hundred (100) cubic yards of soil, topsoil, loam, sand, gravel, clay, rock, peat, or other like

material from its natural location and to transport the product removed, away from the extraction site.

Minimum lot width - the closest distance between the side lot lines of a lot. When only two lot

lines extend into the shoreland zone, both lot lines shall be considered to be side lot lines.

Multi-unit residential - a residential structure containing three (3) or more residential dwelling

units.

Native – indigenous to the local forests.

Non-conforming condition – non-conforming lot, structure or use which is allowed solely because it

was in lawful existence at the time this Ordinance or subsequent amendment took effect.



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Non-conforming lot - a single lot of record which, at the effective date of adoption or amendment of

this Ordinance, does not meet the area, frontage, or width requirements of the district in which it is

located.

Non-conforming structure - a structure which does not meet any one or more of the following

dimensional requirements; setback, height, lot coverage or footprint, but which is allowed solely

because it was in lawful existence at the time this Ordinance or subsequent amendments took effect.

Non-conforming use - use of buildings, structures, premises, land or parts thereof which is not

allowed in the district in which it is situated, but which is allowed to remain solely because it was in

lawful existence at the time this Ordinance or subsequent amendments took effect.

Non-native invasive species of vegetation - species of vegetation listed by the Maine Department of

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry as being invasive in Maine ecosystems and not native to

Maine ecosystems.

Normal high-water line - that line which is apparent from visible markings, changes in the character

of soils due to prolonged action of the water or changes in vegetation, and which distinguishes

between predominantly aquatic and predominantly terrestrial land. Areas contiguous with rivers and

great ponds that support non-forested wetland vegetation and hydric soils and that are at the same or

lower elevation as the water level of the river or great pond during the period of normal high-water

are considered part of the river or great pond.

Outlet stream - any perennial or intermittent stream, as shown on the most recent highest resolution

version of the national hydrography dataset available from the United States Geological Survey on

the website of the United States Geological Survey or the national map, that flows from a freshwater

wetland.

Person - an individual, corporation, governmental agency, municipality, trust, estate, partnership,

association, two or more individuals having a joint or common interest, or other legal entity.

Principal structure - a structure other than one which is used for purposes wholly incidental or

accessory to the use of another structure or use on the same lot.

Principal use - a use other than one which is wholly incidental or accessory to another use on the

same lot.

Public facility - any facility, including, but not limited to, buildings, property, recreation areas, and

roads, which are owned, leased, or otherwise operated, or funded by a governmental body or public

entity.

Recent floodplain soils - the following soil series as described and identified by the National

Cooperative Soil Survey:

Fryeburg Hadley Limerick

Lovewell Medomak Ondawa

Alluvial Cornish Charles

Podunk Rumney Saco



- 46 -

Suncook Sunday Winooski

Recreational facility - a place designed and equipped for the conduct of sports, leisure time

activities, and other customary and usual recreational activities, excluding boat launching facilities.

Recreational vehicle - a vehicle or an attachment to a vehicle designed to be towed, and designed for

temporary sleeping or living quarters for one or more persons, and which may include a pick-up

camper, travel trailer, tent trailer, camp trailer, and motor home. In order to be considered as a

vehicle and not as a structure, the unit must remain with its tires on the ground, and must be

registered with the State Division of Motor Vehicles.

Replacement system - a system intended to replace: 1.) an existing system which is either

malfunctioning or being upgraded with no significant change of design flow or use of the structure,

or 2.) any existing overboard wastewater discharge.

Residential dwelling unit - a room or group of rooms designed and equipped exclusively for use as

permanent, seasonal, or temporary living quarters for only one family at a time, and containing

cooking, sleeping and toilet facilities. The term shall include mobile homes and rental units that

contain cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities regardless of the time-period rented. Recreational

vehicles are not residential dwelling units.

Riprap - rocks, irregularly shaped, and at least six (6) inches in diameter, used for erosion control

and soil stabilization, typically used on ground slopes of two (2) units horizontal to one (1) unit

vertical or less.

River - a free-flowing body of water including its associated floodplain wetlands from that point at

which it provides drainage for a watershed of twenty five (25) square miles to its mouth.

Road - a route or track consisting of a bed of exposed mineral soil, gravel, asphalt, or other surfacing

material constructed for or created by the repeated passage of motorized vehicles, excluding a

driveway as defined.

Sapling - a tree species that is less than two (2) inches in diameter at four and one half (4.5) feet

above ground level.

Seedling - a young tree species that is less than four and one half (4.5) feet in height above ground

level.

Service drop - any utility line extension which does not cross or run beneath any portion of a water

body provided that:

1. in the case of electric service

a. the placement of wires and/or the installation of utility poles is located entirely upon the

premises of the customer requesting service or upon a roadway right-of-way; and

b. the total length of the extension is less than one thousand (1,000) feet.

2. in the case of telephone service



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a. the extension, regardless of length, will be made by the installation of telephone wires to

existing utility poles, or

b. the extension requiring the installation of new utility poles or placement underground is less

than one thousand (1,000) feet in length.

Setback - the nearest horizontal distance from the normal high-water line of a water body or tributary

stream, or upland edge of a wetland, to the nearest part of a structure, road, parking space or other

regulated object or area.

Shore frontage - the length of a lot bordering on a water body or wetland measured in a straight line

between the intersections of the lot lines with the shoreline.

Shoreland zone - the land area located within two hundred and fifty (250) feet, horizontal distance,

of the normal high-water line of any great pond or river; within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the

upland edge of a freshwater wetland; or within seventy-five (75) feet, horizontal distance, of the

normal high-water line of a stream.

Shoreline – the normal high-water line, or upland edge of a freshwater wetland.

Storm-damaged tree - a tree that has been uprooted, blown down, is lying on the ground, or that

remains standing and is damaged beyond the point of recovery as the result of a storm event.

Stream - a free-flowing body of water from the outlet of a great pond or the confluence of two (2)

perennial streams as depicted on the most recent highest resolution version of the national

hydrography dataset available from the United States Geological Survey on the website of the United

States Geological Survey or the national map to the point where the stream becomes a river or where

the stream meets the shoreland zone of another water body or wetland. When a stream meets a

shoreland zone of a water body or wetland and a channel forms downstream of the water body or

wetland as an outlet, that channel is also a stream.

Structure - anything temporarily or permanently located, built, constructed or erected for the

support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, goods or property of any kind, or anything

constructed or erected on or in the ground. The term includes structures temporarily or permanently

located, such as decks, patios, and satellite dishes. Structure does not include fences; poles and

wiring and other aerial equipment normally associated with service drops, including guy wires and

guy anchors; subsurface waste water disposal systems as defined in Title 30-A, section 4201,

subsection 5; geothermal heat exchange wells as defined in Title 32, section 4700-E, subsection 3-C;

or wells or water wells as defined in Title 32, section 4700-E, subsection 8.

Substantial start - completion of thirty (30) percent of a permitted structure or use measured as a

percentage of estimated total cost.

Subsurface sewage disposal system – any system designed to dispose of waste or waste water on or

beneath the surface of the earth; includes, but is not limited to: septic tanks; disposal fields;

grandfathered cesspools; holding tanks; pretreatment filter, piping, or any other fixture, mechanism,

or apparatus used for those purposes; does not include any discharge system licensed under 38



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M.R.S.A. section 414, any surface waste water disposal system, or any municipal or quasi-municipal

sewer or waste water treatment system..

Sustained slope - a change in elevation where the referenced percent grade is substantially

maintained or exceeded throughout the measured area.

Timber harvesting - the cutting and removal of timber for the primary purpose of selling or

processing forest products. “Timber harvesting” does not include the cutting or removal of vegetation

within the shoreland zone when associated with any other land use activities. The cutting or removal

of trees in the shoreland zone on a lot that has less than two (2) acres within the shoreland zone shall

not be considered timber harvesting. Such cutting or removal of trees shall be regulated pursuant to

Section 15 (P), Clearing or Removal of Vegetation for Activities Other Than Timber Harvesting.

Tree - a woody perennial plant with a well-defined trunk(s) at least two (2) inches in diameter at four

and one half (4.5) feet above the ground, with a more or less definite crown, and reaching a height of

at least ten (10) feet at maturity.

Tributary stream – means a channel between defined banks created by the action of surface water,

which is characterized by the lack of terrestrial vegetation or by the presence of a bed, devoid of

topsoil, containing waterborne deposits or exposed soil, parent material or bedrock; and which is

connected hydrologically with other water bodies. “Tributary stream” does not include rills or

gullies forming because of accelerated erosion in disturbed soils where the natural vegetation cover

has been removed by human activity.

This definition does not include the term "stream" as defined elsewhere in this Ordinance, and only

applies to that portion of the tributary stream located within the shoreland zone of the receiving water

body or wetland.

NOTE: Water setback requirements apply to tributary streams within the shoreland zone.

Upland edge of a wetland - the boundary between upland and wetland. For purposes of a

freshwater wetland, the upland edge is formed where the soils are not saturated for a duration

sufficient to support wetland vegetation; or where the soils support the growth of wetland vegetation,

but such vegetation is dominated by woody stems that are six (6) meters (approximately twenty (20)

feet) tall or taller.

Vegetation - all live trees, shrubs, and other plants including without limitation, trees both over and

under 4 inches in diameter, measured at 4 1/2 feet above ground level.

Volume of a structure - the volume of all portions of a structure enclosed by roof and fixed exterior

walls as measured from the exterior faces of these walls and roof.

Water body - any great pond, river or stream.

Water crossing - any project extending from one bank to the opposite bank of a river, stream,

tributary stream, or wetland whether under, through, or over the water or wetland. Such projects

include but may not be limited to roads, fords, bridges, culverts, water lines, sewer lines, and cables

as well as maintenance work on these crossings. This definition includes crossings for timber

harvesting equipment and related activities.



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Wetland - a freshwater wetland.

Woody Vegetation - live trees or woody, non-herbaceous shrubs.

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